We Don’t Allow No Superstores Here

The city council of Dublin, Calif., has voted to ban retail establishments larger than 170,000 square feet that devote more than 10 percent of floor space to nontaxable grocery items. Membership stores, such as Costco, are exempt.

According to the Contra Costa (Calif.) Times, Dublin vice mayor Tim Sbranti called a superstore a “regional grocery store” that would have a huge traffic impact on the city, as shoppers tend to go to grocery stores several times a week.

Sbranti said a store of that nature would also hurt many of Dublin's small businesses, who could not compete with a mega chain.

In taking the action, Dublin has joined other Northern California communities. Oakland, Martinez, Contra Costa County, Turlock and Elk Grove have all either imposed similar bans or special study requirements for superstores.

Councilman Tony Oravetz, who voted against the measure, said there is no need for a ban because no one has yet inquired about building a superstore to Dublin.