Huntington Beach planners to take up midnight-closing issue
The Huntington Beach Planning Commission on Tuesday is expected to consider easing rules that force some downtown businesses to close before 2 a.m. — last call in California.
This comes a week after the City Council authorized city staff to look into changing parts of the 2013 resolution, which requires downtown businesses that serve alcohol and have live entertainment to start closing by midnight at the point that they apply for or seek to amend a conditional use permit.
The resolution was part of the city’s continuing effort to control often-rowdy crowds leaving the area’s bars early in the morning. But council members Mike Posey and Erik Peterson, who proposed amending the resolution, said they worried about its effect on business.
According to a statement submitted by Posey and Peterson, several businesses — including longtime fixtures in the area — are planning to amend their conditional use permits and thus would be subject to the current restrictions on hours.
The commission will also consider the requests of businesses seeking an exception to the resolution.
One of these is HQ Gastropub, which is replacing the now-closed RA Sushi at 155 Fifth St. The gastropub will serve “specialty cocktails” and an “array of cuisines,” according to the business’ website.
It is seeking a conditional use permit while being allowed to operate until 2 a.m. three days a week, according to a city staff report.
Black Bull Chop House, a restaurant at 300 Pacific Coast Hwy., is seeking an amendment to an existing conditional use permit to add a 400-square-foot outdoor dining area. Since amending a conditional use permit also triggers a midnight closure, the restaurant is seeking an exception to the rule, a staff report says.
City staff recommends that the commission advise the City Council to authorize the permits but not allow exceptions to the 2013 ordinance.
Twitter: @benbrazilpilot
