NEWPORT BEACH : Diner at Car Dealer Must Close Nightly

The owner of Ruby’s Jaguar Diner, a 1950s-style eatery that is part of the Newport Imports automobile dealership, failed to win Planning Commission approval to keep the restaurant open 24 hours a day.

However, the Coast Highway eatery won its bid to expand the operation to include outdoor dining.

Lee West had been operating the restaurant round-the-clock until residents complained to the city. Officials told West he needed a special permit to maintain 24-hour operations.

“The people up in the hills were worried about noise and traffic,” said William R. Laycock, planning manager. The commission voted 6-1 to deny the 24-hour permit.

The commission, however, approved an expansion of the restaurant that will create an outdoor eating area for up to eight additional tables seating about 30 people.

The commission also approved a proposal to allow the restaurant to host special events, but special permits must be obtained for each activity.

The restaurant, which had been converted from an employee cafeteria, operated for about a year before winning City Council approval about two years ago.

West was unavailable to comment on the commission’s vote or whether he will appeal that decision to the City Council.