Planning Commission approves Barshaw wine bar at 203 West Grand Avenue

The El Segundo Planning Commission on May 22 accepted the community development director's decision approving Environmental Assessment EA1385 and Administrative Use Permit AUP2502 for Barshaw, a proposed wine bar and retail shop at 203 West Grand Avenue, by a 5-0 vote.

Staff said the proposed wine bar would operate under an ABC Type 42 license and include a 552-square-foot bar and lounge and about 75 square feet of retail space; staff recommended the commission receive and file the director's decision. "The applicant is proposing to operate under a type 42 ABC license, which allows the sale of beer and wine for on-site and off-site consumption," staff said during the presentation.

The nut graf: the commission's action clears a regulatory step for a neighborhood wine bar that will offer retail bottle sales, tastings and small food pairings; the use is in the downtown specific plan zone where bars are allowed by administrative permit and staff found no new environmental impacts beyond those typical of bars.

Staff presentation and findings: Jasmine, a community development staff member, told commissioners the property sits in a commercial district that allows a mix of uses including breweries, tasting rooms and professional offices. "The proposed new wine bar will not create any new impacts that would not be normally associated with the operation of a bar and will continue to be consistent with the downtown specific plan zone," Jasmine said. Staff noted that because there is no expansion to the existing building, no new parking requirements are triggered.

Applicant comments and operations: Owner-applicants Adnan Marwani and Leonora (last name not provided) spoke to the commission during public comment. Adnan described the owners' experience in nearby beach cities and their intent to operate a neighborhood wine bar: "We're really thrilled and happy to be part of El Segundo City," he said. Leonora added details on menu plans: "It's not gonna be a full menu. It's gonna be, like, a few salads, few paninis, amazing cheese, charcuterie... boutique organic natural wine." Both confirmed no outdoor dining is proposed and that the next approval step is the ABC licensing process.

Vote and next steps: After public comment the commission moved to accept the director's action; the motion passed 5-0. The director's approvals (EA1385 and AUP2502) stand and the applicants indicated they will proceed to the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control to obtain the Type 42 license. The applicants said they expect to apply to ABC immediately and hope to open in July or by early August, depending on the ABC review.

Ending: Because the commission's action was to receive and file the director's decision, no further Planning Commission entitlements were required. The license and any subsequent operational conditions from other agencies will determine the opening timeline.