El Monte : Pool Table Permit Denied

The City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to deny a permit renewal for the use of a coin-operated pool table at the El Rojo bar, 12236 Valley Blvd., fearing that the game promotes illegal drug activity in the neighborhood.

The Council denied the permit renewal for 90 days and told owner Maximiliano Fernandez to set up a security plan with the Police Department to help combat drug trafficking.

Fernandez’s attorney, R. Wayne McMillan, said that there is no link between pool playing and drug activity and that the delay would cost Fernandez $300 to $350 weekly. “It’s the one thing that keeps his head above water,” he said.

But Police Capt. Pete Mireles said police have information that dealers hide out at the El Rojo.