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Planning Commission recommends denial of Southern Comfort's request to expand hours and relax security at Cunningham Drive site
Summary
The Commission voted to recommend City Council deny an amendment to Southern Comfort Restaurant & Lounge's Restaurant 3 Use Permit that would have expanded hours and allowed security staffing to be set by separate spaces rather than the whole establishment; HPD expressed enforcement and safety concerns.
The Hampton Planning Commission on Feb. 19 recommended City Council deny Use Permit Application No. 26-0039, which sought to expand hours and change security requirements for Southern Comfort Restaurant & Lounge at 2163–2165 Cunningham Drive.
Chief City Planner Donald Whipple presented staff's recommendation to deny the requested amendments and to uphold the previously approved Use Permit conditions. Hampton Police Department Officer Rausch told the commission he reviewed the past eight months of incident data and found about 15 calls for service at the location, none involving acts of violence, but said HPD supported the security requirement developed with staff to help ensure patron safety. "HPD's primary concern is ensuring that patrons are able to enjoy themselves safely and return home without incident," Officer Rausch said.
Owner Eddie Gomez said he plans to use one portion of the building for late-night entertainment and the other portion only for special events, and he argued that treating the spaces independently for security staffing would reduce operating costs when only one side is open. Gomez said he does not expect to reach the building's maximum occupancy on typical nights and indicated he would notify HPD in advance of larger events.
Commissioners discussed enforcement problems that can arise if spaces are not physically and operationally separate and if patrons can move freely between areas, which complicates counting and staffing for security. On a motion by Commissioner Martha Mugler, seconded by Commissioner Joe Griffith, the commission recommended denial of the amendment and voted to uphold the previously approved Use Permit No. 25-0285 with 14 conditions. The roll call was AYES — Griffith, Mugler, DeProfio, Rogers; NAYS — Samuels, Coleman; ABSENT — Brooks.
Next steps: The Planning Commission's recommendation will be forwarded to City Council for final action.
