Hermosa Beach council amends Clark Building use policy, removes prohibition on hard liquor

The Hermosa Beach City Council on March 11 approved changes to the Clark Building use policy and rental rates after a sizable council discussion and public comment. Councilmembers debated amplified‑sound permitting, insurance minimums, whether renters may bring their own tables and chairs and whether hard liquor should be allowed.

Councilmember Keegan led questioning about several provisions, including a requirement that reservation holders obtain an amplified‑sound permit in addition to the city’s provided sound equipment and a proposed ban on hard liquor and kegs. Staff told the council that municipal code requires permits for amplified sound and that insurance limits reflect standard city practice for facility rentals.

After public comment from community members who urged clarity and competitiveness for the newly reopened building, the council amended the draft to remove the proposed prohibition on hard liquor and to ensure any related permit language matched existing alcohol permit categories. Councilmember Keegan moved the change and the council adopted the amended policy unanimously.

Council members said they expect to review the policy’s implementation and collection of feedback after the building has been used for events; staff said amplified‑sound permits and the city’s municipal code requirements will continue to apply and that the city will provide support to prospective renters on insurance and other logistics.

Provenance: topicintro: {"block_id":"block_9494.995","local_start":0,"local_end":120,"evidence_excerpt":"Next we have item 15 gs, approval of the amended Clark Building use policy and reservation rates.","reason_code":"topicintro"}, topicfinish: {"block_id":"block_11331.76","local_start":0,"local_end":120,"evidence_excerpt":"Motion carries unanimously.","reason_code":"topicfinish"}},