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Commission approves 24-hour operations for Palace Poker with one‑year review
Summary
The commission approved an amendment to SUP 1170 for Palace Poker (401 E. Palace Parkway) allowing 24-hour operations and shortening minimum membership to one week; staff requires on-site security and a one-year council compliance review.
The Planning and Zoning Commission on Nov. 11 approved an amendment to the special use permit for Palace Poker (401 E. Palace Parkway) to permit 24-hour operations and shorten the minimum membership period from three months to one week.
Staff briefed commissioners on the request and said the site already meets code requirements; staff and the Development Review Committee recommended approval with conditions, including maintaining on-site security if hours are extended and a one-year city council review of compliance. Staff noted the applicant holds a certificate of occupancy issued July 18, 2025, and that police review found no significant incidents to date but recommended security and an additional one-year review if extended hours are granted.
Jonathan Tooley, speaking for Palace Poker, described investments in North Grand Prairie and neighborhood engagement. “We spent millions of dollars and brought a facility that was in disrepair to really beautiful,” Tooley said, and added that the business has created about 100 jobs and expects to reach roughly 150 as it ramps up. Tooley said competitors in nearby cities operate 24 hours, and the change would allow Palace Poker to better compete and capture revenue for Grand Prairie while continuing ID checks and security measures.
Commissioners pressed the applicant on security arrangements and limits on alcohol service under Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission rules; Tooley said the venue uses third‑party armed security staffed 24 hours by a company run by a former police officer and coordinates with Grand Prairie Police Department. Staff reiterated that, under TABC laws, alcohol service would end at 2 a.m. even if the facility remains open later, and that PD recommended on-site security and annual review of the SUP if hours are extended.
Commissioner Ty Chapman moved to close the public hearing and approve the SUP amendment per DRC recommendations; Commissioner Angela Lucky Vaughn seconded the motion, and the commission voted unanimously to approve. City council will schedule a one-year compliance hearing after council approval, per staff’s recommendation.
