New Liquor Store with Floral Twist Seeks City Permit Approval in Pasadena

A unique concept blending spirits and blossoms could soon blossom in Pasadena.

Purple Vine & Bloom LLC has applied for a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) to establish a liquor store with a floral touch at an existing tenant space at 183 Glenarm Street, in Council District 7. The project proposal is up for discussion at a regular meeting of the Pasadena Hearing Officer on Wednesday, Jan. 17, 6 p.m. in the Permit Center Hearing Room at 175 North Garfield Ave. 

On the agenda, the item is identified as CUP #7145 and indicates the applicant wants to establish a Liquor Stores land use within the address. 

The site, according to the agenda item, is in the South Fair Oaks Specific Plan, Commercial General (SFO-CG) zoning district. A Conditional Use Permit is required to allow a Liquor Stores land use in the SFO-CG zone.

The Department of Planning and Community Development’s recommendation is to approve the Conditional Use Permit with conditions.

Plans submitted to the city show Purple Vine & Bloom LLC is seeking approval for a retail store specializing in wine, floral bouquets and arrangements, potted plants, and gifts. The establishment intends to provide both off-site alcohol sales, which requires a Type 20 ABC License, and on-site consumption, a Type 42 ABC License. The floor plan, as proposed, outlines a 383 square-foot retail area, a 211 square-foot flower workshop, and a 200 square-foot wine bar.

The remaining space includes a 59 square-foot restroom and a 101 square-foot storage room. The wine bar is designed to allow customers to sample wines before purchasing, enhancing the overall retail and floral experience.

The application, which involves alcohol sales, necessitates the identification of all establishments selling alcohol within 1,000 feet of the site. According to the applicant’s filing, two such establishments currently exist within the specified radius.

Situated on a 50,915 square-foot commercial property at the northwest corner of East Glenarm Street and South Marengo Avenue, the project site forms part of a commercial center comprising three buildings and surface parking. Constructed in 1983, the vacant 954 square-foot tenant space was formerly a fitness center. 

As the application awaits the Pasadena Hearing Officer’s decision, the proposed Purple Vine & Bloom liquor store’s innovative blend – spirits and flowers – introduces a distinctive concept to the city’s retail landscape.

Meetings by the Hearing Officer are open to the public.