A Marina convenience store is approved despite concerns about alcohol saturation in the area.

A convenience store proposed on Reservation Road was approved by the Marina Planning Commission on Feb. 12. But the business is awaiting a decision by the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control on its pending liquor license, which was protested by a member of Marina City Council (participating in this matter solely as a resident) looking for a clearer policy on such stores in the area.

Owner Rashad Ahmed plans on offering various grocery items and other products at Marina Mini Mart, with 15 percent of the floor space dedicated to alcohol sales.

Assistant Planner Brian Kim said that the city’s code doesn’t require the commission to determine if the store is a public necessity since its alcohol sales are considered “incidental.” Planners interpret that to be less than 20 percent of the total floor area.

Brian McCarthy says the number of alcohol licenses in the area already meets the ABC’s definition of “undue concentration” on the census tract. McCarthy filed a protest of the license to the ABC as a private citizen. That protest is under review, according to an ABC spokesperson.

Mini Mart business manager Gabriel Villa said by offering alcohol for sale, it helps give the business a competitive edge.

The commission added a number of conditions in its approval, including prohibiting the sales of single-serving spirits and requiring the business to review its hours of operations with the police department after one year.

McCarthy doesn’t plan on appealing the commission approval, citing a pricey process. He adds that he hopes the protest starts a discussion about clearer standards for alcohol establishments.