Committee questions hours, noise controls for proposed Marisco L. Catrine Del Mar liquor and live-entertainment licenses

The Arthur Arc Committee of the Whole reviewed July 7 a liquor-license request from Marisco L. Catrine Del Mar, a planned restaurant in Clock Tower Plaza at 19 South Bridal Road, that seeks a Class A full liquor license plus supplemental outdoor and supplemental live-entertainment B licenses. Staff member Steve explained the difference between the supplemental live-entertainment A and B licenses and told the committee that the first-year decision on a supplemental live-entertainment B license requires full-board approval; in subsequent years the liquor commissioner or mayor may approve renewals. Steve said a supplemental license lets the board add conditions on approval. Moses Cruz, who identified himself as a licensed real estate agent representing owner Osvaldo, said the concept is “to have a family, oriented restaurant.” Cruz and the applicant said the restaurant will offer high-end seafood and steaks, provide full cocktail service and plan live bands on Friday and Saturday. Cruz said live bands would play “4PM to 11PM” on event days and that a DJ would play later on some nights. Committee members focused on noise and hours because residences and a senior living community lie immediately east of the plaza. Trustees and staff described past noise complaints at the site under previous tenants, including music running late and HVAC or doors left open that allowed sound to escape. Board members asked how the applicant would prevent similar problems; the applicants said they will repair the kitchen air-makeup unit, add ceiling insulation or acoustic foam if needed, and raise a partial wall near the bar to limit sound transmission. On operating hours, the record shows a mix of statements: the applicants initially described standard hours as Sunday–Thursday 11 a.m.–10 p.m. and Friday–Saturday starting at 11 a.m. with closing hours later at night; staff later explained outdoor liquor hours cited in the packet differ from indoor liquor-license hours and that live entertainment hours “can actually go longer” to match an approved liquor license. Steve said inside liquor sales “would match the liquor license, which is 1 a.m. Sunday through Thursdays, 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday nights,” while other speakers described a plan to limit live bands to 11 p.m. with a DJ continuing to closing on weekend nights. Trustees suggested possible mitigation and enforcement approaches, including a trial period (60–90 days), acoustic treatments (insulation, acoustic panels), requiring an on-site manager or owner-operator to monitor noise, restricting amplified or outdoor music, and revocation hearings after repeated violations; staff confirmed the board may impose conditions and pursue license revocation after violations and that the city has previously used decibel readers to document complaints. The applicant said no amplified music would be played outdoors and that underage patrons would be allowed when accompanied by a parent but would not be admitted after 9 p.m. without an adult present. No final license decisions were made at the meeting. Staff said they would take comments from the committee, draft potential conditions and return the item to a future Committee of the Whole meeting for a formal recommendation to the board.