Planning commission approves Szechuan Garden’s permit to serve beer and wine

The Monrovia Planning Commission approved a conditional use permit (CUP2025-0002) on April 9 to allow incidental on-site sale and service of beer and wine at Szechuan Garden, a sit-down restaurant at 931 West Duarte Road in the Monarch Shopping Center.

Staff told the commission the restaurant is a bona fide eating establishment with a full-service kitchen and a floor plan showing 13 tables and 64 chairs; state approval through the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control also requires manager and server certification in ABC’s responsible beverage service program. Staff recommended approval with standard conditions and two site-specific conditions: the private dining room must remain unlocked at all times and window signage must provide a clear and unobstructed view of the interior.

There was no public testimony for the item; the applicant did not appear. Commissioners asked only procedural questions about the signage condition. A motion to approve CUP2025-0002 with the conditions in the staff report passed on a roll-call vote with all commissioners voting yes.

The commission noted that planning commission decisions may be appealed to the City Council if an appeal is filed in writing within 10 days and the applicable appeal fee is paid.

The planning commission’s approval covers only the local land-use requirement; state ABC approval remains required before alcohol may be served.

Details recorded for the record include the site address, the CUP number, and the requirement that the private dining room remain unlocked and that exterior signage not obstruct views of the interior.