A proposal to open a liquor store near a freshman dormitory at San Diego State University is a bad idea.

Arkan Somo, a leader of the merchants association for small markets and liquor stores, wants to tear out the automotive service bays at his College Arco station and turn them into a minimart that sells beer and wine. This station, at College Avenue and Montezuma Road, is steps away from SDSU dorms.

The city Planning Commission turned down Somo's request for a conditional-use permit that would allow him to sell alcohol. He's appealing that decision to the City Council tomorrow, and Councilman Jim Madaffer, who represents the College Area, apparently supports him.

Top administrators at SDSU don't want underage students to have any greater access to alcohol than they already have. James Kitchen, vice president for student affairs, wrote to the city on behalf of President Stephen Weber in opposition to alcohol sales, noting that SDSU has been fighting hard against alcohol and drug abuse on its campus.

"Permitting another establishment to sell liquor within yards of the residence halls for students would be contrary to our efforts and give a wrong message to our students," he wrote. He added that the new alcohol outlet would "invite those underage students to seek ways of circumventing legal restrictions on consumption."

Ever heard of fake IDs? College kids know all about them. And they know plenty of other methods for illegally buying alcohol. But the fewer opportunities they have, the less alcohol abuse there will be. Many studies have shown that increased access to alcohol means increased abuse.

SDSU Police Chief John Carpenter doesn't need scientific research to tell him that more alcohol sales around his campus will mean more problems. "Selling beer and wine right across the lawn from our freshman residence hall does not make sense to me," he said.

While San Diego Police Department crime statistics don't show serious problems in the College Area, the addition of SDSU police statistics does. Carpenter said his police officers have made about 500 alcohol-related arrests since last August, and that more than half of those arrested were minors.

In addition to the SDSU administration and police opposing alcohol sales at the gas station, the College Area Community Council opposes it, too.

For his part, Somo says he has been a very responsible business owner and has been active in preventing alcohol sales to minors at markets and liquor stores. He also notes there will probably be alcohol outlets in the big Paseo project on College Avenue right next to the school.

Binge-drinking is a serious problem on campus, according to college officials and alcohol researchers. No matter how responsible a merchant may be, increased access to alcohol still means increased underage abuse. The City Council should block new alcohol outlets close to SDSU dormitories, and officials at both the city and SDSU should keep a close watch on the kind of businesses allowed in the Paseo project.