Some Alcohol Rules Apply to New Murrieta Businesses Only

A newly-passed alcohol ordinance limiting alcohol sales to before midnight and happy hour to before 8 p.m. applies only to new businesses coming into Murrieta, City officials said.

An that was meant to lure new businesses to the City won't cripple the operation hours of those already operating, said Assistant City Manager Jim Holston recently.

"This only affects new businesses," Holston said.

According to Holston, something operational-wise would have to change in order for the new ordinance to affect businesses already operating in Murrieta. In that case, they would need to go before City Council for approval.

Murrieta's new alcohol ordinance is likely to become law 30 days after City Council has approved it for a second time on Tuesday. It includes, among other stipuluations, a shortening of 1,000 feet between schools and alcohol-selling businesses to 600 feet. In order to pursue alcohol sales closer than that to schools, businesses will need to go before City Council for a conditional use permit.

Other changes include the opportunity for movie theaters and similar businesses to sell alcohol with a permit gained from the City.

Alcohol operations and violations will also be more closely controlled by the Murrieta Police Department.