Laserfiche WebLink
Ms. Rondash stated that the reason the condition was not included is because the <br />function of this establishment is to sell and provide wine and that samplings were an <br />addition or ancillary offering; therefore, staff did not approach the request in the <br />same way it is handled for bar-type restaurants. <br />Chair Pearce inquired whether or not the condition is based on the amount of <br />alcohol served as opposed to the mere fact that alcohol is being served. <br />Ms. Rondash replied that its use as a wine-tasting room is what was considered. <br />Mr. Dolan explained that if the primary purpose is to taste wine so that one might <br />buy bottles of it, one is less likely to drink as much, although there is the opportunity <br />to have several glasses of wine. He added that it would not be unreasonable to <br />apply a similar condition with the understanding that the winery does not provide a <br />full menu but that food will be made available at all times. <br />Commissioner O’Connor pointed out that because there is outside seating, it could <br />be assumed that if one tasted wine and bought a bottle, that person could go <br />outside, sit, and open the bottle. <br />Mr. Dolan confirmed that was a possibility. <br />THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS OPENED. <br />Sandi Bohner and William Webster, applicants, approached the podium. <br />Ms. Bohner stated that she and her husband are in the Livermore Valley Wine <br />Appellation and have tasting rooms in Sunol and Livermore. She noted that they <br />provide one-ounce pours as it is a wine-tasting room rather than a wine bar and that <br />they also make restrooms available to the public. She added that they will be having <br />refrigeration equipment for white and rose wines that need to be chilled. <br />Mr. Webster stated they have been in the wine business for about nine years in the <br />Livermore Valley. He noted that he and his wife has been involved in the food <br />service business in Pleasanton since the early 1980’s with five cafes. She added <br />that they are fairly well-known to and liked by the community and that they have a <br />good public following. <br />Mr. Webster referred to Condition No. 2 and stated that they believe it is appropriate <br />to have limits on hours. He indicated that they initially suggested a nominal start <br />from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Friday, Saturday, and Sunday; however, they would <br />like to extend it to 10:00 p.m. because they have small private events at times, such <br />as the First Wednesdays and Wine Strolls.He noted that they understand that other <br />businesses have more retail-oriented hours like the Wine Steward, and they would <br />like to adjust their hours given the public’s interest and traffic.He requested that the <br />six-month period condition be removed and they be allowed to be open from <br />PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES, April 15, 2009 Page 18 of 24 <br /> <br />