Police Commission Cancels Teen Dance Club’s Permit

The Los Angeles Police Commission voted Tuesday to revoke the teen dance permit for the Odyssey, a controversial Westside night club that neighbors say has been a source of noise, crime and rowdyism for the last nine years.

For years, residents of the neighborhood have complained that teen-agers frequenting the Odyssey--many of whom are as young as 13 and 14--drink alcoholic beverages, consume drugs, make noise and openly urinate and engage in sex outside the club at 8741 Beverly Blvd.

The commission voted in August to revoke the Odyssey’s teen-dance permit but to suspend the revocation while imposing six conditions on the club’s operation.

Prompted by allegations that the club has not been complying with the conditions, the commission voted unanimously Tuesday to revoke the permit permanently.

Community ‘Blight’

Police Commission President Stephen D. Yslas called the Odyssey a “blight on that community,” prompting many residents of the neighborhood around the club who attended Tuesday’s meeting to respond, “Thank you.”

“This is a small victory for us,” said Marvin Miller, who lives near the Odyssey. “But this is not a complete victory yet. They’ll be back.”

Despite the commission’s action, the club’s owner said that the Odyssey will remain open and that he will seek an injunction allowing teen-agers to dance at the establishment until the courts decide the constitutionality of the revocation.

Chris Cox, owner of the Odyssey, told reporters that he expected revocation of the teen-dance permit. He said he hopes to obtain a court injunction to delay the commission’s action. “This just stops the dancing,” Cox said. “We’ll still be open for business.”

License Retained

The club retains its liquor license--which it has not been allowed to use while catering to an adolescent clientele--and a permit for live entertainment.

On Monday, a group of lawmakers held a press conference in front of the club to call attention to a bill that would establish a midnight closure of nightclubs and dance halls that cater largely to teenagers.

Under current law, dance clubs for teen-agers can remain open until 5 a.m.

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors voted Tuesday to support the legislation.