Summary Sheet- RFCA SUMMARY

CITY OF TEMPE
Meeting Date: 6/25/2026  
REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
Agenda Item: 7A5
ACTION:  PUBLIC HEARING ITEM Hold a public hearing to recommend the approval of a Series 12 
Restaurant Liquor License for Russos New York Pizzeria and Italian Kitchen, LLC, DBA Russo’s New 
York Pizzeria, located at 521 South College Avenue #109, Tempe, AZ 85281.
FISCAL IMPACT:  No fiscal impact.
RECOMMENDATION:  Recommend approval of this application noting that the applicant must 
resolve any pending City of Tempe building safety and zoning requirements and be in compliance with 
the City of Tempe Ordinances.
 
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:  Andrea Dahlman Lewkowitz is the agent for this application. This 
is a new business applying for a new license at a location where a previous liquor license was held. 
Under the Tempe City Code, the Financial Services Department, acting as the designated agent of the 
City Clerk, is required to coordinate a background investigation by the Tempe Police Department for all 
liquor license applicants. In addition, the proposed business location must be inspected by the Tempe 
Fire Medical Rescue Department and the Community Development Department’s Planning and Building 
Safety Divisions to verify compliance with applicable City codes and licensing requirements. 
Pursuant to Arizona Revised Statutes § 4-203, a spirituous liquor license may be issued only upon a 
satisfactory demonstration of the applicant’s capability, qualifications, and reliability, and upon a 
determination that the issuance of the license will substantially serve the public convenience and the 
best interests of the community.
In accordance with A.R.S. § 4-201, the City posted notice of the liquor license application at the proposed 
licensed premises for a period of twenty (20) consecutive calendar days. No letters of support or protest 
were received during the posting period.
State statute requires municipalities to make one of three recommendations to the Arizona Department 
of Liquor Licenses and Control (DLLC):
     1.  Approval
     2.  Disapproval (results in a public hearing set by the DLLC)
     3.  No recommendation (may result in a public hearing set by the DLLC)
ATTACHMENTS:  None
STAFF CONTACT(S):  Josh Bies, Tax and License Manager, (480) 350-8685
Department Director:  Laura Calder, Financial Services Director  
Legal review by:  Dave Park, Assistant City Attorney
Prepared by:  Juliane Moore, Tax and License Specialist, Sr