Car wash applies to sell alcohol and stay open until midnight

PHOTO BY ALEX DOMINGUEZ

DOWNEY — Downey’s Planning Commission will consider granting a local car wash’s request to be able to sell alcohol at their meeting this Wednesday.

According to the staff report, an application for a Conditional Use Permit has been submitted to allow for Unique Auto Spa, located at 7624 Firestone Blvd., to sell alcohol for consumption off the premises.

Unique Auto Spa already includes a small retail area. If the application is approved, beer, wine, and distilled spirits could be added to the merchandise shelves.

It should be noted, however, that an approval would also require Unique Auto Spa to add an additional five parking spaces, as alcohol sales are not considered integral to the operation of a car wash.

In addition, the car wash is also requesting to expand their hours of operation, currently from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., to 7 a.m. to midnight.

According to the staff report, Downey Police has raised several concerns with the requested changes, especially that the location’s primary use may be changed from a car wash to that of a liquor store.

There were also worries that transients and employees may congregate after hours.

There are already several other venues from which alcohol can be purchased nearby, the police noted.

Staff is recommending that the commission deny the request.