Long Beach board approves variance to leave Quarterdeck Bar dumpster at street edge

The Long Beach Board of Aldermen voted to grant a variance that will allow a dumpster serving three downtown businesses near the Quarterdeck Bar to remain in its current location, after the bar's owner said relocation would block customer access and board members debated enforcement and precedent.

Luke Wayne, who identified himself as the owner of the Quarterdeck Bar, told the board the dumpster has served several businesses for decades and that moving it would impede emergency access or customer entry. "I'm not asking for an exception out of convenience, but out of necessity," Wayne said, noting the adjacent parcels are not under his control and that he has tried to find alternatives without success.

Several aldermen pressed Wayne for details about alternatives, access and whether the dumpster had previously been approved. Mayor Torgerson (speaker 3) said he has received complaints about the placement and said he would prefer that the variance not be granted: "I would hope that we don't grant a variance on this," he said, while also urging staff and the owner to look for alternative locations.

Alderman (speaker 5) moved to grant the variance to Wayne, and Alderman Peake (speaker 7) seconded the motion. Opposing members emphasized consistent enforcement of the city's dumpster-enclosure ordinance. One member argued: "Either we're going to enforce the law or we're going to change the law," reflecting concern about precedent for other businesses.

After further discussion and a roll-call vote, the board approved the variance. The mayor declared the motion passed, saying the city would continue to look at options but that the decision stood. The full roll-call detail as read in the transcript was recorded by the clerk; the board recorded the motion as approved.

The decision does not change the ordinance itself; it grants a site-specific variance. The mayor and aldermen said they would continue to monitor downtown appearance and safety and asked staff to follow up on possible mitigation measures. The board moved on to its next agenda item.

What happens next: The variance is approved and in effect for the property as handled by the board; any enforcement, follow-up or requests by nearby property owners would be addressed through the usual city processes, and staff may report back if alternatives or conditions are proposed.