Legends Owner to Protest Restrictions on Bar Operations

As the Long Beach City Council tonight weighs  amending  Conditional Use Permits (CUPs) for alcohol-serving businesses, the owner of the biggest fish on 2nd Street says he's selling Legends Sports Bar and Restaurant because City Councilman Gary DeLong has made it too difficult for businesses to function under such over-regulation.

Gene Rotondo, a lion of a figure in the Shore with his popular sports bar anchoring the commercial stretch of Belmont Shore--which he calls the city's "crown jewel"--for the past 14 years, bluntly told workers this weekend that he's done.

"I'm tired of businesses being made to look like the bad guy. I'm leaving because of the trend that I see happening and I don't think it's going to change. This is the worst political interference with business I have seen in my term in Belmont Shore," Rotondo said.

Though Rotondo denied similarities to Hermosa Beach or Huntington Beach's rowdy Main Street, Belmont Shore has in recent years gained a reputation for what DeLong has taken to calling "The Jersey Shore." This wild, frat boy-wreaked image (that DeLong reports is backed with increased police activity in the area in recent years) may be toned down in times to come, or at least that is the hope of the Third District Councilman, who says he is responding to residents' grievances by proposing a measure that would grant the city more regulatory authority over late-night bars. But some, like Rotondo, think the cost is too high.

"No political organization, politician, or entity should have have the right to take away the value of a business or personal property," Rotondo said, a bit wearily, noting that this move would likely devalue his business by a quarter to a third. So weary, in fact, that he is leaving for greener pastures, selling the sports bar to search for what he said would be "a less hostile environment for a talented businessman."

The proposal would seek to amend the CUP ordinance, which is the necessary permit issued by the city as a precursor to an official alcohol license. It would apply to all businesses who have alcohol licenses on Second Street and are open after midnight, and would take effect with an application renewal or change of ownership.

Changing the regulations of a CUP would give the city more regulatory power over the operation of businesses that serve alcohol. As of now, the ABC (Alcohol and Beverage Control department) delivers most of these operational conditions. After an in April, the ABC administrator illuminated that ABC resources are scant and red tape thick. Also seen with the approval of Panama Joe's a few months ago, if a bar has a request for a special permit, the city is able to add conditions such as hours and trash pick up, but without one, the city has no say in these operational matters.

DeLong said, "There appears to have been more problems over the past few years, and more of them alcohol related, so it became apparent that city hall needs to do something. It makes sense the five bars open after midnight should have similar requirements."

DeLong has reported in the past that he receives numerous complaints from residents about theft, burglary, vomiting and other disturbances late at night, but also considers himself a strong pro-business supporter. According to DeLong, some  businesses in the Shore are in support of the measure because it will likely improve the street's reputation. Though not quite pro-business, it's a pro-restaurant and pro-retail move, DeLong ceded.

"In the Shore it's all about balance," DeLong said.

Earlier this year, DeLong successfully imposed a 10 p.m. curfew for patio use along Second Street in hopes of mitigating disruption. So far, he said, it is too early to tell whether it has had a significant effect.

The initial restriction on patio use by bar patrons was passed Oct. 19, 2010, at which time DeLong stated it was not his intention to shut down businesses at midnight. Even as recently as last month, Council Member DeLong told the Press-Telegram that he "absolutely" did not plan on forcing bars to stop serving alcohol at midnight.

It would be a long process for the CUP ordinance to be amended, he said, but if it is, it would create conditions of operation, such as increasing security and limiting noise, though those details would be worked out later. DeLong said, consistent with previous statements, he does not anticipate requiring bars to stop serving alcohol after midnight.

The proposal, if approved, will then move to the Planning Commission, City Attorney and Planning Staff to conduct studies and formulate a recommendation about whether this is an appropriate step to take. Then, according to DeLong, there will be a public process to engage all stakeholders about what would constitute appropriate conditions.

A number of residents, business owners and concerned constituents are expected to voice their opinions at the meeting tonight.

When asked how he thought the meeting would go, DeLong answered in dead pan, "Long."

The City Council meeting will be held tomorrow, Tuesday June 7, 2011 at 5 p.m. at 333 Ocean Blvd. This is item number 12 on the agenda.