Commission approves Hampton Inn's amendment to allow distilled spirits at hotel bar

The Oroville Planning Commission approved an amendment to Use Permit UP 2510 to allow the Hampton Inn to serve beer, wine and distilled spirits at its on‑premise hotel bar. The motion carried 5–0, with two commissioners absent.

Staff explained the original 2020 permit allowed beer and wine for an internal bar tied to the hotel's construction and that the hotel opened in June 2024 but the bar had not yet begun alcohol service. The applicant, a hotel representative, said the bar and kitchen are small, intended primarily for overnight guests and their invitees, and that the operation might be opened more broadly at a later date. The representative said, “We don't know if we wanna open it up to the public yet ... the goal is just for the to open it up to our overnight guests.”

Planning staff noted the current amendment request did not include a condition limiting service to registered guests; if the hotel later sought to change operations substantially, staff said the commission would need to reevaluate and the hotel might need to return for further approval. Staff recommended approval after reexamining proximity to other alcohol outlets and the nearby Stream Charter school parcel.

There were no public commenters. After questions and discussion, commissioners voted to approve the amendment. The record shows the permit allows on‑premise sales, and staff clarified drinks may not be taken off‑site.