On Oct. 9, KYCC helped to honor the 8th Street OK Liquor Store in Koreatown for their outstanding commitment to community safety and health. The California State Senate, Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office and the Los Angeles Police Department all gave certificates of recognition to owner Bong-Ok Lee.

LAPD Capt. Vito Palazzolo and Deputy City Attorney Steve Houchin were all in attendance to deliver the commendations to Ms. Lee.

“The California State Senate would like to recognize 8th Street OK Liquor for their exemplary collaboration in reducing alcohol-related harms and teenage drinking in our community,” said Senator Kevin De Leon.

8th Street OK Liquor, which opened in 1988 on the corner of Western Avenue and 8th Street, has been a neighborhood stalwart for almost three decades. Late owner Young-Ok Lee, aka “Mama” was dedicated to Koreatown youth and families, which led to the store’s reputation as a community-focused business. Her sister Bong-Ok has remained equally committed to the neighborhood and its residents.

Since 2013, 8th Street OK Liquor has been a community partner of KYCC’s Responsible Retailer Campaign, a program of KYCC’s Prevention Education Unit responding to the proliferation of liquor stores and its connection to alcohol abuse in Koreatown, Pico-Union and Westlake.

KYCC is working in conjunction with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, Substance Abuse Prevention and Control Division, in addressing underage drinking.

Read the Korea Times English Edition’s article and view LA18’s news segment on KYCC’s Responsible Retailer event.