Planning commission unanimously approves Cocina 1912’s permit to serve spirits and host live music

The Santa Paula Planning Commission unanimously approved a conditional use permit on a motion to allow Cocina 1912 to upgrade its alcohol license to an ABC type 47 and to include live entertainment at 1069–1073 East Main Street, the commission announced after adopting Resolution No. 3,881.

Staff planner Eileen Ramos, presenting the application, said the restaurant — established in 2023 — currently holds a type 41 license limited to beer and wine and seeks the type 47 to include distilled spirits. Ramos described the site plan changes as an interior expansion of the dining area, a small front-stage performance area and a service bar in a rear corner, and recommended approval. "We recommend approving this conditional use permit in the manner described in this permit," Ramos said during the presentation.

The applicant told commissioners the move to a type 47 license grew out of customer demand after the restaurant expanded dinner service. The owner said the change is intended to complement the dining experience, not to turn the business into a heavy-drinking bar: "We're really excited to be in this town...we just wanna be able to serve other village choices," the owner said.

Commissioners asked about operational details and next steps. Staff and commissioners emphasized that city approval of the CUP is a local step that allows the applicant to proceed with the state Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) process, but additional facility improvements will be required before full service begins. A staff member noted that adding a bar may trigger plumbing and grease-interceptor upgrades and specifically referenced the need for a larger grease interceptor and a three-compartment sink in areas where a bar will be installed.

Noise and neighbor concerns were also discussed. A nearby business (Park 1055) provided a letter noting potential sound impacts; staff explained the city enforces a downtown/property-line noise standard of 70 decibels and that the city has a calibrated decibel meter for enforcement. Staff emphasized coordination among downtown businesses to manage entertainment-related noise.

Commissioner (speaker 3) moved to adopt Resolution No. 3,881 approving Conditional Use Permit 2026CUP-01; Chair Auger seconded. The commission voted unanimously in favor. The clerk recorded votes in the affirmative for Commissioner Key Swatter, Commissioner Kelly, Commissioner Herbert, Vice Chair Ross and Chair Auger.

Next steps: the applicant may pursue the ABC licensing process and must complete any required facility upgrades and other ABC- or health-enforcement conditions before commencing liquor service or amplified live entertainment as described in the CUP. The commission’s approval establishes the local land-use authorization but does not itself issue an ABC license.

The commission moved on to other business after the vote.