The Winchester City Planning Commission on Nov. 5 reviewed a staff request to revoke the entertainment conditional use permit (CUP) for Milano's, 107 W. Boscawen Street, after repeated citizen complaints and police calls tied to the venue.

Staff explained the zoning administrator issued a Notice of Violation on May 23 (served to the property owner and Milano's) and that the 30-day appeal window closed with no appeal. City staff and the police compiled an updated call log; staff said some clusters of police calls meet the zoning ordinance's threshold for "criminal offense" police calls (a maximum of four qualifying calls within a 30-day period). Staff also said the call log includes many entries highlighted in green indicating incidents where officers found no criminal offense when they arrived but which had been reported by complainants.

Deputy police staff described two 30-day periods staff identified in the packet that meet the four-calls-in-30-days standard (Dec. 24, 2024
Jan. 19, 2025, and Mar. 22
pr. 18, 2025). Commissioners cited resident-submitted photographs and a letter that they described as disturbing and noted some photos and reports could, if witnessed by officers, have led to criminal charges.

Milano's representative told the commission the business has not hosted live entertainment for several months, has been closing at midnight and permitting a small "VIP" group to remain occasionally, and has made operational changes. The representative asked to review the call narratives; commissioners and staff agreed to provide the police notes and a full October update to the call log ahead of a public hearing.

Staff advised that revoking the entertainment CUP would remove the venue's right to host live music and events but would not prohibit operation as a bar or restaurant (music accessory to the use would remain allowed). Commissioners discussed alternatives such as amending the CUP to add or tighten conditions (hours, noise restrictions, or limits on events), but staff cautioned that repeated NOVs and appeals can create an enforcement loop without long-term compliance.

The Planning Commission did not take final action at the work session but confirmed staff will produce updated October call data, share police narratives and evidence with the commission and the CUP holder's counsel, and proceed with a public hearing at the regular November meeting where the Planning Commission will vote on a recommendation to City Council. City Council, not the commission, makes the final determination on revocation.

Next steps: staff will supply requested documentation to commissioners and counsel, update the call log through October for review, and the item will be placed on the Nov. regular meeting public-hearing agenda.