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Owner Dan Almquist Requests Alcohol Service Allowance for Zoomars

BY COLLIN BREAUX

The San Juan Capistrano City Council approved commissioning a study on a potential code amendment for the Los Rios Specific Plan that would allow drinking and eating establishments in the Los Rios Historic Commercial District.

The approval was given on Tuesday, June 20, as recommended by city staff. A study will be done since Zoomars owner and local developer Dan Almquist wants to be able to serve alcohol at the farm animal petting zoo.

The study does not mean the request is being automatically approved.

Mayor Howard Hart said he is “nervous” about the “creep” of alcohol availability around Los Rios Street. In March 2022, the City Council previously approved requests for The Tea House to additionally serve distilled spirits and for extended alcohol service hours at Ramos House Café.

Hart said he is interested in what the study’s report has to say.

“We’re already really stretching my comfort zone with initiating this study,” Hart said.

Mayor Pro Tem Sergio Farias said he does not expect Zoomars will be an establishment where people openly carry around beer cans.

“Through public improvements, we’re definitely attracting quality businesses, but I think that Mr. Almquist owns several retail centers in the city,” Farias said. “I think they’re all classy establishments