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Owner says Fantasy Island seeks lounge license, vows compliance and job creation
Summary
Samuel Ansett, owner of Fantasy Island, told the commission he is not seeking to operate a club but a lounge, said some outdoor seating was used only briefly and removed, and asked for approval to hire more local workers; he said he is willing to comply with city rules.
Samuel Ansett, who identified himself as the owner of Fantasy Island restaurant and bar, addressed the commission during the de novo hearing and sought approval to operate as a lounge with a liquor license.
"So I'm not here to bring dirty music to the city," Ansett said, describing the property as rehabilitated and saying promotional events that led to prior enforcement actions were not representative of his intended operations. He told the commission that liquor and some outdoor seating had been removed after code compliance actions and that he believed some limited service tied to catering had caused confusion during state licensing.
Ansett said allowing Fantasy Island to operate as a lounge would help him hire more young people and continue investing in neighborhood properties. He repeatedly offered to comply with city regulations and invited city officials or neighbors to visit the premises to observe operations.
The owner's statements were delivered after staff outlined required conditions (site plan approval, parking compliance, restrictions on outdoor seating and event security) that the commission could require if it were to approve the special use.
