Council approves full liquor license for Orpheum Theater on Broadway

The Los Angeles City Council on Wednesday approved a request to grant a full liquor license for on-site consumption at the Orpheum Theater, 842 South Broadway, voting 12-0 after a public hearing.

Supporters including the Central City Association and the theater owner told the council that a liquor license is necessary to help the restored venue operate competitively and contribute to downtown’s nighttime economy.

The council’s approval came after public comment that included opposition from Melrose Larry Green, who said he did not support alcohol service at the Orpheum. Victor Franco Jr., deputy director of legislative affairs for the Central City Association, told the council the organization represents “over 300 companies” in the county and urged approval as part of a broader effort to revitalize Broadway’s historic core. Owner Steve Needleman said the venue needs a liquor license to compete in today’s events business and that alcohol would be sold only at appropriate events, not at children’s performances.

Councilmember Pacheco moved to approve the application. The presiding officer opened and closed the roll and the motion passed with 12 ayes; the council asked that the item be processed forthwith.

The public hearing record shows both business-group support and a neighborhood-level objection. The transcript identifies the property owner and the Central City Association as supporters and records the lone public speaker expressing opposition. The council did not alter conditions in the motion as read on the floor.

The decision authorizes the license following the city’s public-convenience-or-necessity hearing; no additional conditions or limitations were recorded in the council action.

Votes and next steps: the council’s approval was adopted on the council floor and directed to be implemented forthwith.