TITLE
Adopt resolution establishing standardized entertainment district conditions of operations and tiered conditions. (Districts 1,2)
DISCUSSION
On December 19, 2006, the City Council adopted an ordinance extending the District through March 31, 2007. This short-term extension allowed time for City staff to continue to meet with the District's stakeholders to discuss outstanding operating issues before final standardized operating conditions for the District were recommended for adoption. On January 17, 2006, the City Council established a Downtown Dining and Entertainment District Pilot Program. The establishment of the Pilot Program followed six months of meetings and discussions with the Downtown Long Beach Associates (DLBA), homeowner associations, business owners and other stakeholders to develop consistent hours and operating conditions for the businesses required to have an entertainment permit in the District. In addition, conditions placed on businesses in the District were intended to promote a safe environment benefiting visitors and retail and entertainment venues, while ensuring quality of life for residents who might be impacted by the enhanced hours and operating conditions of the District.
Since the December 19, 2006 extension, meetings were held with entertainment venue operators on January 19, 2007 and a final community meeting was held on February 21, 2007.
Prior to the establishment of the District, the hours and conditions of operation varied from establishment to establishment, since each entertainment permit was authorized by a separate action of the City Council over a 22-year period. Some establishments could have entertainment until 2:00 a.m., while others were restricted to earlier hours. Some establishments were authorized to have outdoor entertainment, others were not. These differences appeared to have provided a competitive advantage to some establishments.
The District consists of the area bounded by Ocean Boulevard, Third ...
Click here for full text