TITLE
Recommendation to receive supporting documentation into the record, conclude the public hearing and reject the hearing officer’s recommendation to reverse the denial of the business license application for JP23 Hospitality Company, located at 110 East Broadway, and to not issue a business license. (District 1)
DISCUSSION
City Council previously referred to a hearing officer the appeal of the Financial Management Department’s denial of a business license application by JP23 Hospitality Company, located at 110 East Broadway for a restaurant and ready to eat foods with alcohol license. Attached for your review is Hearing Officer Jonathan C. Navarro, Esq.’s written report (Attachment A). Below is a chronological list of events leading up to the hearing officer’s decision:
· On March 14, 2022, the Department of Financial Management denied the business license application for JP23 Hospitality Company to operate a restaurant with alcohol establishment at 110 East Broadway Avenue (Attachment B) due to failure to comply with applicable laws and regulations pursuant to the Long Beach Municipal Code (LBMC) Sections 1.32.040, 3.80.210, 5.06.020 5.72.110(A) and 5.72.130.
· Pursuant to LBMC Section 3.80.421.6, an applicant can appeal the denial of a business license application to the City Council. On March 24, 2022, the applicant submitted a written request for an appeal (Attachment C).
· On April 12, 2022, the City Council referred to a hearing officer the applicant’s appeal of the business license application denial. The hearing officer randomly assigned by the City Clerk’s Office was Jonathan C. Navarro, Esq.
· On May 10, 2022, the appeal hearing commenced. It was continued to May 25, 2022, and subsequently continued as needed for additional testimony. The attorneys submitted evidence (Attachments D and E) and conducted the examination of witnesses. On June 8, 2022, the appeal hearing concluded.
· On June 22, 2022, as requested by the Hearing Officer, t...
Click here for full text