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Committee approves 24-hour Back 9 indoor golf with beer license; commissioners press for enforcement plan
Summary
The commission approved a conditional use permit for The Back 9 indoor golf franchise in Portola Plaza, including a Type 40 beer license limited to supervised events; commissioners repeatedly asked how the business will prevent member-supplied alcohol and manage incidents during unstaffed hours.
The Planning and Transportation Committee approved PCUP2025-0009, a conditional use permit for The Back 9 indoor golf franchise at Portola Plaza (27690 Santa Margarita Parkway). Staff described membership-based operations, four simulator bays in a 3,400-square-foot tenant space, security cameras, and limited event-based beer service under a Type 40 license; staff said parking and police review present no obstacle and recommended approval.
Applicant Cody Ross, co-owner of Back 9 Mission Viejo, told commissioners the facility will rely on a digital booking system, tiered membership (par/birdie/eagle) with 15-minute pre-entry, interior cameras and contractual membership terms that can bar violators. "It's membership based in the sense you have different tiers... a par, you can basically have 1 hour tee times only," Ross said. Commissioners pressed him on after-hours access, potential member-supplied alcohol and medical-emergency response; Ross said owners live nearby, cameras provide evidence tied to payment records, and the business will follow ABC responsible beverage training for events. Staff noted the ABC and police review as additional safeguards and suggested language could be added to conditions if the commission desires.
After discussion, the committee moved, seconded and voted to approve the permit and wished the applicants luck. The commission did not record a roll-call vote in the transcript; the chair announced approval.
