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Capitola planning panel approves beer-and-wine permit for Esplanade restaurant
Summary
The Capitola Planning Commission on Dec. 4 approved a conditional use permit allowing on-site beer and wine sales at 21 Esplanade (Tacos Moreno). Police reviewed the application and raised no concerns; commissioners gave staff authority to add separation signage or conditions if needed.
The Capitola Planning Commission voted unanimously Dec. 4 to approve a conditional use permit that will allow on‑site beer and wine sales at 21 Esplanade, the existing Tacos Moreno restaurant on the Esplanade beachfront.
Staff told commissioners the application would not change the restaurant’s seating layout and that alcohol storage is behind the front counter. The Police Department, led in discussion by Police Chief Sarah Ryan, reviewed the application and reported no concerns about public safety or operations, staff said.
Commissioners asked whether the state Alcoholic Beverage Control requirements would force a separation between the restaurant’s outdoor seating and neighboring Zelda’s dining area. Staff replied that ABC rules typically require some form of physical separation for outdoor alcohol service and that the planning commission could add a condition requiring signage or a barrier in addition to ABC compliance.
No members of the public spoke on the item. Commissioner Welch moved to approve the permit; the motion was seconded and passed on a roll call vote, with all commissioners voting aye.
The permit allows beer and wine for on‑site consumption under the conditions attached to the staff report and subject to ABC licensing. The commission did not add any additional restrictions at the hearing but left open the option to add signage or other separation measures tied to ABC compliance.
