CCMIN081688 - Laserfiche WebLink

123 Councilmember Butler withdrew his second to Councilmember Brandes' motion. Councilmember Butler stated there is no problem with the procedure; the facts are there - revocation of the cardroom permit is justified. At the same time the Pleasanton Code does allow the existence of one card permit. He stated that Mr. Kahn, residents, and friends of the Shenave's have made a good case that the Shenave's should be allowed the opportunity of operating the cardroom permit on their own. He stated it is illogical to believe there was no awareness on the part of the Shenave's as to what was going on at this Club. He added that the application procedure in the Code allows the Police Chief to deny or issue a the permit based on the moral character of the applicant; he felt the Shenave's should be allowed to apply and the findings made as to whether or not they qualify. Councilmember Brandes asked if the decision would be appealable to this Body. Mr. Beougher advised that it would be if the Council places that condition upon the applicants. Councilmember Brandes stated the activities around the Pastime Pool have been a concern of the Police Chief and Police Department for a long time. He added there is a secondary issue - Council has placed a responsibility on the Police Chief to enforce the Code, and it is for this reason that the cardroom permit has been revoked. He stated he supports the action of the Police Chief. Councilmember Wilson stated he would like to support the Chief of Police, but he wonders if revoking the permit to allow card tables will stop the sale of drugs in the bar. He felt the license should be suspended for six months in this instance. Councilmember Mohr stated this establishment represents some of the diversity which enriches Pleasanton; she would like to think there is a place for everyone. She stated there have always been problems with bars and she suspects it is the management's fault; card playing is not the culprit. She concurred with Councilmember Butler. She added that with a new application Council will be looking at management closely to prevent any previous problems. Mayor Mercer stated he did not know how involved Mr. Shenave was with the operation of the Pastime Pool Room. He wondered if not allowing the cardroom will make a difference. He advised that he has not had one phone call in favor of closing the cardroom and he has had many phone calls requesting that it be allowed to remain open as it is a social place for certain groups of friends. He felt the Shenave's should be given the opportunity to operate for at least six months during which time they could be monitored closely. - 4 - 8-16-88