Two downtown Moorpark businesses are one public hearing away from new alcohol licenses.
The Moorpark Planning Commission will hold public hearings on both applications during its Tuesday, Sept. 22, meeting at 7 p.m. at Moorpark City Hall, 323 Science Drive. The Moorpark General Store at 496 Moorpark Ave. is seeking a spirits upgrade. Samuzora, a planned Japanese spirits bar at 601 Moorpark Ave., wants a new bar license with live entertainment.
City staff recommends approval of both applications, according to the meeting agenda.
General Store seeks spirits upgrade
Applicant Hakam Barakat filed Aug. 3 to upgrade the Moorpark General Store's existing beer-and-wine license (ABC Type 20) to a full off-sale license that includes distilled spirits (Type 21). The 3,600-square-foot market at the corner of Moorpark Avenue and 1st Street would keep its current hours of 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.
The upgrade would not add a new alcohol outlet to the area. Census Tract 76.11 already has six businesses with off-sale licenses, exceeding the state threshold of three. Because the store already holds a license, the total count stays the same, according to the staff report.
The Moorpark Police Department reviewed the application and raised no concerns, citing the store's compliance history. Barakat anticipates hiring up to three new employees and plans an interior renovation to add a walk-in cooler. No exterior changes are proposed.
The commission first approved the store's beer-and-wine permit on Oct. 26, 2010. An appeal followed, and the City Council denied it on Dec. 15, 2010, upholding the permit. If approved, the new permit would supersede that earlier one and must be activated within two years.
Japanese jazz lounge planned for Tanner's Corner
The second hearing covers a Type 48 bar license with live entertainment for Samuzora Japanese Spirits, a 2,460-square-foot space inside the Tanner's Corner building. Built in 1902, the building is listed on the historical register. Robert Cox filed the application on behalf of the business.
What Now Los Angeles reported that owner Samuel Khosravi described the concept as a Japanese-inspired jazz lounge with 1950s and 1960s Japanese decor, an Art Deco aesthetic and a stage for live music. The menu would center on Japanese cocktails, whiskeys and sakes with small bites. Khosravi told the outlet the business aims to open by the end of 2026.
The lounge sits near other major downtown investments, including a $34 million city library under construction on High Street.
How to weigh in
Residents can speak at the hearing by submitting a speaker card before each item opens. Written comments can be sent to [email protected] by 4 p.m. on Sept. 22. The Community Development office can be reached at (805) 517-6289.
