La Habra planning commissioners approve permit change allowing distilled spirits and live entertainment at The Hideout Bar

The La Habra Planning Commission on Monday approved a modification to a conditional use permit allowing The Hideout Bar at 632 E. Whittier Blvd. to upgrade to a Type 48 alcohol license (which includes distilled spirits) and to host live entertainment, including DJ performances, karaoke, small musical groups and occasional stand-up comedy.

The action matters because the modification authorizes a broader liquor license and live performances at a location that adjoins multifamily and single-family residences; the commission approved the change 3–1 and the decision becomes effective in 10 working days unless appealed to the City Council.

Planning staff presented the project, describing the site as a tenant space in a multi-tenant shopping center in a C-2 commercial zone with a mixed-use overlay. Planning staff member Daryl said the applicant seeks to upgrade from a Type 42 license (on-sale beer and wine) to a Type 48 license and to add live entertainment. Daryl told commissioners the proposed interior work includes a designated stage area, a dressing room created from an existing office, and ADA upgrades to restrooms and seating. He said the applicant proposes sound attenuation using fire-rated Type X drywall and operational measures such as keeping doors closed during operations to meet the city's noise limits (55 dB interior from 7 to 10 p.m. and 45 dB exterior).

Applicant representative Fausto Reyes described the design changes, lighting upgrades in the front parking lot, the thicker drywall for sound mitigation and accessible seating at the bar. Owner Robert Driesland told the commission he supports live music in La Habra and said, "You're not gonna find anybody who's more in support of this than me in all of the city of La Habra." Driesland said small acoustic acts would generally enter through the front door and that trash and the apartment parking are located in the rear alleyway, which his business will not use for patron access.

Commissioners asked about the efficacy of the acoustical measures and the alleyway's proximity to the adjacent Maple Apartments. Daryl said an acoustical engineer reviewed options and recommended the denser drywall over foam panels because it better reduces overall sound, estimating roughly a 50% reduction in measured levels in a live bar setting. Vice Chair Mahecha asked about the alley and lighting; staff said there is some building-mounted lighting and the applicant will add two light standards in the front parking area. Commissioner Ramsland voiced concern about residential proximity and the potential for gatherings or open back doors to increase noise or outdoor congregation.

Staff reviewed calls for police service at the location over recent years and reported two calls related to loud music and one citizen report of an apparently intoxicated person in the parking lot; staff said it was not clear whether that call was related to the bar. The staff recommendation was approval subject to conditions including the sound attenuation, maintaining doors closed except for ingress/egress during operations, limiting live entertainment to Thursday through Saturday, specified hours of operation, ADA improvements, addition of one accessible parking stall, and compliance with the city's entertainment permit requirements (including a 100-square-foot designated stage area and 6-foot separation from patrons).

Chair Manley moved to close the public hearing and approve a resolution making the required findings and approving the modification to the conditional use permit per the approved plans and subject to conditions; Vice Chair Mahecha seconded the motion. The commission recorded the motion as passing 3'1. The decision may be appealed to the City Council within the applicable appeal period.

The commission briefly noted ongoing planning-related events and recruitment for commission vacancies. The Planning Commission adjourned to its next meeting on Feb. 24, 2025.