West Hollywood : Disco to Appeal Restriction

An attorney for the owner of Peanuts, a popular West Hollywood disco, said Wednesday that his client will appeal a decision by the city’s Business License Commission aimed at placing the establishment off limits to minors.

The commission voted 3 to 2 Tuesday to restrict the disco’s clientele to adults as a condition of renewing the establishment’s licenses to permit dancing and serve food.

“The decision was extremely punitive, and we will appeal (to the City Council), absolutely,” said Arlen H. Andelson, an attorney for Josh Feld, who owns the disco, 7969 Santa Monica Blvd.

Feld has said that people under the age of 21 represent 60% of the disco’s clientele.

“We just felt that something had to be done, that there have been too many complaints of noise, underage drinking . . . too many problems,” said commissioner Carole Ellis, who voted to restrict the disco.

In taking the action, the commission said it will review its decision in six months. In the event of an appeal, the City Council has the final say before any sanction takes effect.

In January, the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control accused Peanuts of violating state liquor laws and asked for a 40-day suspension of the establishment’s liquor license. An administrative law judge is scheduled to hear the case in April.