7-Eleven Opens with Concerns in Santa Barbara but Owner Shows Neighborhood Support

A new Santa Barbara 7-Eleven has some residents concerned about possible alcohol sales, but the owner of the eastside store says he will run a neighborhood friendly operation.

Currently the site at 402 N. Milpas is not selling beer or wine, but a request has been made to the Department of Alcohol and Beverage Control.

Some resident have sent in protest letters, and are upset there could be another business in the Milpas area that has alcohol sales which is believed to be linked to some community problems over the years. Across the street from this 7-Eleven is a Fresh and Easy store, and nearby a new Fresh Market store -both that sell alcohol – but opened without the same community concerns.

The owner of the new 7-Eleven says he will be neighborhood friendly and during his soft opening, has free coffee for customers.

This Thursday, the store will have a pizza promotion with a portion of the proceeds going to the Boys and Girls club literacy program.

The location for this store was previously an auto repair facility that was purchased and remodeled in the last few months.

Earlier this year 7-Eleven opened a new store in Isla Vista.