In 2012, Councilmember Steven Neal and Councilmember Al Austin requested the Planning Commission to review the City's current Zoning Regulations as they relate to existing liquor stores Citywide; to consider the feasibility of implementing a new performance standards-based program for those stores that currently are not regulated by any current meaningful performance standards; and to recommend possible incentives that could be offered to existing businesses that are willing to immediately accept the modern regulations, with a specific request that North Long Beach be established as a pilot study area.

The purpose of this request is to protect and promote the public health, safety, comfort, convenience and general welfare of the community by imposing anti-nuisance related operating conditions on establishments that currently have legal nonconforming use status.

The program is currently in committee, and should return to the city council for final action in early 2013.