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Planning Commission approves lounge with live entertainment, arcades and outdoor seating in Lincoln Specific Plan
Summary
The Planning Commission unanimously approved Conditional Use Permit CUP25-0010 allowing a Type 48 ABC license for an indoor lounge with outdoor seating, arcades, pool tables and live entertainment at 7008 Walnut Grove Drive, with amended Conditions 24 and 25 and a new Condition No. 55 tying certain operational commitments to staff review.
The Whittier City Planning Commission voted unanimously March 16 to approve Conditional Use Permit No. CUP25-0010 for a new indoor lounge — CAPO Public House — at 7008 Walnut Grove Drive. The permit authorizes on-site sale and consumption of general alcoholic beverages under a Type 48 ABC license, outdoor seating, arcades, pool tables, live entertainment and extended hours, subject to conditions adopted by the Commission.
Assistant Planner Crystal Arroyo presented the staff report and a revised Condition No. 55. Arroyo said the site is the last remaining vacant building within the Groves project and lies within the Lincoln Specific Plan; staff recommended approval and noted the project is categorically exempt from CEQA under Section 15301, Class I (Existing Facilities). Staff also explained the project would be subject to police department conditions and a 12-month review.
Tom Carpenter, representing the developer and operator, said the proposal was intended to complete the Groves project and activate the final historic building in Heritage Court in a manner that supports nearby Rodeo 72 rather than competes with it. Carpenter said a full-service restaurant had not proven viable in that historic layout and that the proposal would provide indoor seating, lounge space, room for events, and family-friendly amenities. He said the applicant would accept a condition requiring food service and was amenable to revised language for Conditions 24 and 25 and to inclusion of the newly drafted Condition No. 55, which staff explained would require the applicant to notify staff if it later elected a different ABC license type and would be subject to Director review and ABC satisfaction.
Commissioners asked about calls for service at Rodeo 72, whether food service should be required and how conditions should relate to the adjacent property. After deliberation, Commissioner Connolly moved and Commissioner Cornejo seconded to approve staff’s recommendation with amendments to Conditions 24 and 25 and adding Condition No. 55. The roll-call vote was: Borzi — yes; Connolly — yes; Cornejo — yes; Quirk — yes; Rodriguez — yes. The motion carried unanimously.
The permit includes a 12-month review and police conditions. Condition No. 55 requires that if the applicant pursues a Type 47 license instead of a Type 48, the applicant submit a letter to staff confirming that decision, subject to the satisfaction of the Director of Community Development and the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control.
