Popular Van Nuys Night Spot : Bar Loses Its Beer License Over Waitresses’ Drinks

The state Alcoholic Beverage Control Department has revoked the alcohol license of the El Dorado, a popular Van Nuys beer bar that authorities called a frequent law-enforcement headache, because its waitresses solicited patrons to buy them drinks, an ABC spokesman said Tuesday.

The eight-year-old bar at 14436 Victory Blvd. has not been shut down, but can no longer sell any alcoholic beverage, which is expected to force it to close, said Frank Herbert, a supervising special investigator for the ABC. Beer sales accounted for more than 90% of the El Dorado’s income, he said.

Rafael Macedo, the bar’s owner, could not be reached for comment. His attorney, James E. Blatt, said he could not comment without conferring with Macedo.

The bar drew a standing-room-only crowd of more than 75 patrons on weekend evenings when a Mexican band performed, Herbert said. Its other attractions include pool tables and hot and cold snacks.

During a routine check, undercover ABC investigators observed waitresses asking customers to buy them beers six times on Oct. 17 and Oct. 19, 1985, Herbert said. It is a violation of state law for a bar employee to solicit drinks for themselves, or for the establishment’s owner to permit or encourage employees to ask customers to buy them drinks.

El Dorado customers were charged $3 for a 7 ounce beer for the waitresses. The waitresses, in turn, received a $1 commission per beer, according to Herbert. In contrast, customers paid $1.50 for a 12 ounce beer for themselves.

Previously, the ABC cited the El Dorado five times between 1979 and 1985 for allowing minors in the bar and three times for serving hard liquor while holding a beer and wine license. The bar changed the license to cover only beer in 1985.

Authorities said there also were complaints from police and from residents of the area about noise, litter, and patrons drinking on neighboring properties. “The place has been a real problem for us in the past,” Herbert said.

Following hearings, Administrative Law Judge Robert A. Neher recommended in July, 1986, that the El Dorado’s license be placed on probation. However, the ABC overruled Neher and revoked it, because of the bar’s history of disciplinary problems and the seriousness of the recent charges, Herbert said.

Owner Macedo was informed of the decision March 4 and did not respond during the 45-day appeal period, Herbert said.

Herbert posted notices of the ABC’s action outside the bar Tuesday and said Macedo will have to surrender the license shortly.