PC 020812 - Laserfiche WebLink

Mr. Mull confirmed that it is a VIP area, but it is not necessarily based on individual drinks. Commissioner Pearce indicated that she would like to walk through this with Mr. Mull. She stated that the patrons are purchasing arguably a few bottles of alcohol at one time that they then have access to with the waitress's help. She noted the Mr. Mull is saying that even though the patrons have purchased entire bottles of alcohol, if they appear inebriated, the waitress is going to cut them off and take away the alcohol. Mr. Mull replied either that or security will have a discussion with them. Commissioner Pearce indicated that she is just trying to understand the operations of the club. Mr. Mull stated that the patrons are not left on their own just with bottles, with no one going through and seeing them. He indicated that there is staff in the VIP area, and there are waitresses who are constantly checking to see if they want food or an additional drink. Commissioner Narum inquired, if there are people at the table with a bottle that they have purchased at a pretty good premium, and if the waitress starts seeing the people at the table inebriated, how do the waitresses cut them off, if the bottle they have purchased is taken away, and what happens if only two or the ten people are inebriated. Mr. Mull replied that it is difficult, but they have a talk with the patrons and ask them to leave. He indicated that one of their obligations under the ABC rules is to not serve inebriated people, whether through a bottle service or through a bartender. He added that it is important that they comply with that or they put their license at risk. THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS CLOSED. Commissioner Pearce noted that there has been a lot of discussion about capacity. She inquired how the 812 - person capacity was initially determined initially at this club, and assuming there is a formula, what the breakdown is. Ms. Rondash replied that it was part of the applicant's proposal in 2010 to increase the capacity up to 812, based on the assumption of what the space could hold. She indicated that fire codes have a calculation for the fire safety occupancy based on space. She noted that Planning staff also circulated the request through the Fire and Police Departments, and determined that staff could support it as it had operated historically without incidences, and the operator had a good track record with other clubs. Commissioner Blank recalled that the Commission had another one of these cases a while ago with a restaurant; it did not result in a shooting, but there were a lot of PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES, February 8, 2012 Page 15 of 23