Upland planning panel gives Third Base Sports Bar 30 days to seek CUP changes or face revocation

The City of Upland Planning Commission on April 22 moved to require staff to prepare a revocation resolution for Conditional Use Permit 15‑05 — the permit for Third Base Sports Bar — unless the permit holder submits an application to modify that CUP within 30 days.

The decision followed a revocation hearing in which city staff and Upland Police Department investigators presented a memorandum documenting undercover operations and code enforcement inspections that, the city said, showed a pattern of violations. Chief Marcel Blanco said the documented incidents included service to visibly intoxicated patrons, bartenders drinking while on duty, service past the hours approved in the CUP, and a DUI linked to alcohol served at the establishment. "An ABC license carries profound responsibility," Chief Blanco said. "In this case, the business has not met that responsibility." Officer Fleischman, who helped conduct undercover operations, told the commission an undercover minor was served during a December operation and that officers observed overserving on other occasions.

Owners Linda Awad and David Savala acknowledged past problems, said they had fired employees connected to the incidents, and described steps taken since the investigations: retraining staff on responsible beverage service, purchasing an ID scanner, upgrading cameras and terminating employees implicated in violations. "This business represents over 10 years of hard work," owner Linda Awad told the commission. Her husband, David Savala, said the owners accept responsibility and have taken immediate corrective actions, including terminating staff involved in the cited incidents.

Public commenters spoke on both sides. Two speakers urged the commission to allow the family‑run business to continue while it implements changes; another speaker defended the owners as longtime local businesspeople. City staff and police rebutted aspects of the owners' statements, saying the violations were documented and that ABC (the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control) is involved and may pursue its own enforcement.

Commissioners discussed options including doing nothing, modifying the CUP with additional conditions, or revocation. Several commissioners said they were willing to allow a path for the owners to retain the permit if they quickly submit a thorough amendment package that includes enforceable conditions: limiting late‑night alcohol service, a police‑approved security/management plan, proof of ongoing staff training and ID‑scanning, and a six‑month public review hearing. Commissioner Johnson urged firm operational changes, suggesting that liquor service stop by 11 p.m. on a regular basis and that substantial food availability and posted signage about intoxicated drivers be required. The commission ultimately voted 7‑0 to direct staff to prepare a revocation resolution unless the applicant files an application to amend the CUP within 30 days; the motion was approved unanimously.

Next steps: If the applicant files within 30 days, staff will work with the police department to draft amended CUP conditions and return the matter to the Planning Commission for a noticed public hearing. If no application is filed, staff will return with a revocation resolution. Separately, ABC retains independent authority and may pursue administrative action on the bar’s state license, city staff said.

The commission closed the hearing and moved on to other agenda items.