Store loses liquor license

Diana Sahagun

Thursday, May 16, 2002 | 9:20 a.m.

The Las Vegas City Council on Wednesday revoked the liquor license of a West Las Vegas convenience store owner, saying he was contributing to blight in the area.

In a seldom-used action, the council revoked the liquor license from Rageh Hashem, who owns Food Fair Market at 632 H St., a year after giving him a temporary license to prove his suitability.

Metro Police described the lot as a haven for loitering and drug deals, saying there were 200 calls to police in the last year.

Hashem was given a temporary license last summer, at the height of concerns over drug paraphernalia being sold at West Las Vegas convenience stores. The concerns led to an ordinance being passed that forbids Las Vegas convenience stores from selling item considered paraphernalia, including scouring pads and glass pipes.

The council was sued last summer after denying another West Las Vegas convenience store owner a new liquor and gaming license, but the council's decision was upheld by a District Court judge.

When Hashem was given a temporary license, with a one-year review, Councilman Lawrence Weekly asked for a pledge to help clean up the area.

Hashem's attorney said his client has reported crimes and has done his best to improve the area.