ENCINO : Restaurant Wins Alcohol Permit

A Ventura Boulevard restaurant received a conditional-use permit to serve alcohol after its owner reached a compromise with Encino residents who had initially opposed the request to serve a full line of alcoholic beverages, a city official said Wednesday.

Neighbors argued, among other things, that the 13-space parking lot at the Persian food restaurant Shiraz could not accommodate customers who would be attracted by the addition of cocktail service, Zoning Administrator Darryl Fisher said.

Residents appealed Fisher’s decision to grant the permit on condition that the restaurant provide seven more parking spaces. However, they later agreed to withdraw their opposition if the permit had an expiration date so it could be reviewed later.

City officials will review the permit in three years to see if serving alcohol generates any problems. The restaurant is still seeking a liquor license from the state Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control.