Palms restaurant revocation hearing continued after owner requests more time

The Alcon Planning Commission opened a revocation hearing for the Palms Restaurant and Banquet Hall at 143 East Main Street after staff presented evidence that the business may not be operating in accordance with conditional use permit (CUP) number 2115.

Staff told the commission that complaints prompted a review of the restaurant’s operation and that, while inspectors observed some corrective steps (laminated menu and ‘open’ signs), the commission had directed a revocation hearing after earlier testimony suggested the venue was operating “mostly similar to a private club.” Staff recommended either revocation of CUP 2115 or additional direction to staff to resolve outstanding issues. "The planning commission ultimately directed staff to schedule a revocation hearing that we're conducting here tonight," staff said.

The owner, who did not give a full name on the record, told the commission he has taken steps to address staff concerns — clearing window coverings, posting signs and providing menus — but said family medical problems and being out of town limited his ability to appear at prior hearings. He described continuing parking challenges and said the business relies on banquet bookings to cover costs. "It's a banquet hall and a restaurant," the owner said, adding he would work with staff and would welcome staff visits to clarify how the operation should be configured.

Commissioners pressed the owner about whether the business is operating primarily as a restaurant, noting the CUP authorizes a restaurant with ancillary banquet use (staff said the ancillary banquet use is typically limited to about 15%). Staff also recommended the applicant provide a schedule of events to clarify which nights are restaurant service and which are banquet operations.

The owner asked for more time to make adjustments and to have staff inspect the premises to explain expectations. Staff recommended continuing the hearing to the first meeting in February to allow 30 days of additional data collection and to renotice surrounding property owners.

A motion to continue the revocation hearing to the first meeting in February carried unanimously (motion moved by Commissioner Sotile and seconded by Commissioner Edison). The commission left the hearing open and will consider the item again at the continued meeting; the record of complaints and any additional staff observations will be returned to the commission before a final decision.

Next steps: staff will renotice the hearing and return with additional information at the first meeting in February; no final action was taken tonight.