Commission approves Maddie's extended-hours permit to 4 a.m. on weekend nights

The West Hollywood Business License Commission on Feb. 3 approved an extended-hours business license for MHR Nightlife LLC, doing business as Maddie's, allowing the Rainbow District restaurant-bar to remain open until 4 a.m. on Friday and Saturday nights.

City code enforcement supervisor Yessica Benitez, presenting the staff report, said the business has the required zoning approvals (PC 18-1256), holds current permits to sell alcohol until 2 a.m., and that staff found 24 calls for service tied to the location over the prior 12 months and five noise complaints (none substantiated by officers on arrival). She told commissioners that staff recommends adoption of Resolution BOC 26-001 and that the license be conditioned with operating requirements addressing manager presence, lighting, noise, traffic, parking, crime prevention and measures to discourage loitering.

The applicant and team described noise-mitigation investments and operational plans. The primary applicant representative, who identified himself as a long-term West Hollywood resident and nightlife operator, said Maddie's has invested in engineered sound systems and nearly soundproof sliding doors and will stop alcohol service at 2 a.m., continuing only nonalcohol sales and food afterward. He said staff will be RBS-trained and that the venue will coordinate with the sheriff's department to stagger patron dispersal and reduce the risk of a large crowd exiting at once.

Several speakers during public comment urged approval. Genevieve Morrill, longtime local business advocate, said Maddie's operators bring professionalism and would fit the Rainbow District. Other supporters, including bartenders and security contractors, described experience managing after-hours operations and said staggered departures and on-site security reduce safety risks.

Commission discussion cited the applicant's track record and the safety benefit of staggering departures rather than concentrating patrons on the street at 2 a.m. Commissioner Eisenberg moved to approve staff's recommendation and Commissioner Berry seconded. The commission voted unanimously in roll call: Commissioner Christian, Commissioner Cockrum, Commissioner Eisenberg, Commissioner Lebron Boyd, Commissioner Yusupov, Vice Chair Berry and the Chair all voted "Aye." The chair noted that any challenge to the decision must be filed within 15 days of the mailing date and follow city clerk procedures.

The resolution and permit include the security and operating conditions outlined in the staff presentation. Under the conditions, the business will be required to ensure a monitored outdoor dining configuration, discourage loitering, and implement the crime-prevention measures described in the staff report. The commission's approval takes effect upon signing of the resolution.

The commission moved on to the next agenda item after the vote.