Council approves Studio Lounge karaoke permit with conditions; applicant to pursue health and licensing approvals

Winchester City Council on May 27 approved a conditional use permit for Studio Lounge, a karaoke lounge proposed at 1161 and 1169 Variable Avenue in a B‑2 Highway Commercial district. The item came to council because the site lies within 200 feet of residentially zoned properties, triggering the CUP requirement.

Planning staff summarized the proposal: the venue would consist of private karaoke rooms and a common area, will not prepare food on site, and plans sound‑dampening measures and a small designated outdoor smoking area. Staff presented recommended conditions including doors remaining closed during operating hours, no outdoor singing, hours restrictions and a condition limiting action if more than a set number of valid police/zoning/property‑maintenance complaints are filed.

Applicant Lena Bartel told council the business will operate as a karaoke‑first lounge rather than a full bar; the applicant said she consulted legal counsel and set up reciprocity with a neighboring pizza shop (3 14 Pizza) so food could be provided without an on‑site commercial kitchen. A councilor noted that health and alcohol licensing requirements are separate processes and that a full‑service bar normally requires on‑site food preparation; staff confirmed that if beverages are served the applicant would need to pursue health department and ABC approvals in addition to the CUP and building permits.

Council clarified the hours, which staff read as a window allowing later weekend hours (example: 9 p.m.–11 p.m. Monday–Thursday; extensions into the early morning hours Friday–Saturday as specified in the application). The council approved the CUP by roll call with the conditions presented.

Ending The Studio Lounge may proceed to building permits and must obtain any required health or ABC licenses before operating beverages; staff and council will monitor compliance with the CUP conditions and complaint thresholds.