THOUSAND OAKS : Alcohol Sales Law for Clubs Tightened
The Thousand Oaks Planning Commission Monday night unanimously recommended that the city tighten restrictions on nightclubs by forbidding them to sell alcohol when minors are allowed into the club.
The City Council is scheduled to take final action on revising the city’s ordinance governing nightclubs at the council’s Aug. 3 meeting.
The proposed revisions were prompted by police and complaints from neighbors of the Red Onion. Although the revised ordinance would apply to any club in the city, it is designed to eliminate alcohol sales during “Teen Nights” held at the Red Onion club Sunday and Monday nights. Patrons 21 and older wear bracelets to show they are permitted to drink.
Red Onion officials have protested that banning alcohol sales during Teen Nights would probably force the club to close Sundays and Mondays. They said the club depends on alcohol sales to turn a profit during nighttime hours.
But police and residents said that while the Red Onion has taken a number of steps to improve its image and to step up security, there has been a history of problems at the club ranging from reports of underage drinking to fistfights.
The revised ordinance would also establish new regulations for any group or business wanting to hold a dance as a fund-raiser or social event.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
