COSTA MESA : Tavern Owner to Get New Hearing

Orange County Superior Court Judge Francisco Firmat has ordered the city to grant a rehearing to the owner of Henry N’ Harry’s Goat Hill Tavern, whose permit to operate was denied after neighbors complained about drunken brawls and other problems at the bar.

Owner Robert (Zeb) Ziemer appealed to the courts after council members turned down requests for a rehearing, saying they did not believe there had been any changes at the tavern to make them reverse their decision.

“We felt that we had given them ample opportunity to correct their problems and to present their case,” Councilwoman Mary Hornbuckle said this week. “We’ll see what’s happened since the last round of hearings.”

The new hearing will probably be held next month.

Surrounding neighbors and businesses complained about fights in the parking lot as well as litter and vandalism they blamed on the tavern’s patrons. The council also heard reports from fire and police officials about the number of calls related to the establishment.

Ziemer has continued to operate his bar while his legal battles with the city continue.

Last week, Councilman Orville Amburgey came under fire after it was revealed that Ziemer donated $1,000 to his reelection campaign shortly after the councilman voted against restrictions being placed on the bar. Amburgey maintains he violated no conflict-of-interest laws when he accepted the money.

Amburgey wanted the city to grant Ziemer another hearing, saying the tavern owner had made improvements that may alleviate the problems.