The Dallas City Council on Jan. 8 approved a time-limited specific use permit (SUP) authorizing an alcoholic-beverage establishment (bar/lounge/tavern) and a commercial-amusement indoor use limited to a dance hall at the Harwood/Pacific location (Club Vivo). The SUP was approved with an 18-month review period and conditions discussed during the hearing.

The item drew a long public debate and heavy turnout. Supporters, including the operator and representatives from the hospitality company, their security team and the Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce, urged approval and described extensive security measures: metal detection at entry, pat-downs, licensed security staff, camera coverage, and training protocols. The applicants also cited TABC (Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission) history (staff reported two administrative written warnings over four years) and asked for a renewal period that allowed operations to stabilize and demonstrate compliance.

Opponents — including neighborhood representatives and a number of council members — raised safety concerns, cited a high-profile alleged sexual-assault incident reported from prior operations at the site and asked for a conservative, short-term SUP so the city could evaluate public-welfare impacts. Those speakers urged robust security and stronger obligations on operations near a peak downtown entertainment corridor.

Council debate was prolonged and fractured. Some council members argued for a full three-year SUP, noting staff had recommended three years and that prior trends in incident data showed declines; others preferred a shorter trial period. City staff explained the SUP is a land-use approval and emphasized that dance-hall licenses, TABC approvals and certificate-of-occupancy steps remain required. Staff also noted that the surface parking lot often discussed by speakers is privately owned and not part of the SUP site; parking arrangements and any contract for off-site parking are separate permitting matters.

The council approved the SUP with an 18-month review window and asked staff, the applicant and DPD to work on a public-safety plan during that period. The council instructed staff to monitor compliance and to report back; council members said the 18-month period was intended to balance public-safety concerns with the applicant’s request for a viable operating window.

Ending: The SUP is effective upon adoption; the applicant must complete remaining state and local permitting steps (TABC licensing, dance-hall license, certificate of occupancy) and operate under conditions the council discussed. Staff will monitor incidents and return to council for renewal or other action at the 18-month check-in.