The San Luis Obispo City Council voted 4-1 Tuesday to endorse new rules to be placed on bars and restaurants serving alcohol after 11 p.m. Councilwoman Kathy Smith dissented. [Tribune]
New establishments will now be required to procure a conditional use permit that requires the businesses to have a manager on-site when entertainment is performed, install a video surveillance system at all entrances and exits, and provide alcohol service training for employees.
Existing businesses will not be required to obtain the new permit unless it is determined that the business is not operating responsibly. The determination will include input from the Downtown Association and an administrative hearing officer looking at businesses that fail to operate safely or have nuisances such as litter, public urination and unruly behavior.
Under the new rules, an establishment found to have committed repeat violations could lose its grandfathered status and would then be required to obtain the conditional-use permit in order to continue operating.
