For Karaoke Studios, It’s Over at 2 A.M.

Two karaoke studio owners have withdrawn their bid to extend their business hours past 2 a.m.--even though they had secured the Planning Commission’s approval.

The owners abandoned their effort after the City Council decided to appeal the Planning Commission’s action by scheduling a public hearing on the controversy.

The hearing on whether to extend the hours of operation for Elvis!? Karaoke Studios and Only You--the city’s only two establishments that rent private booths for karaoke--had been scheduled for the Nov. 16 City Council meeting.

James R. Walker, an owner of Elvis!? Karaoke Studios, said “maybe it’s not the right time” to ask the city to extend the hours because of the rise in crime occurring in the county.

On Oct. 13, Planning Commissioners voted 3 to 2 to allow Elvis!? Karaoke Studios to remain open until 4 a.m. Only You was permitted to stay open until 3 a.m.

Police Chief Elvin G. Miali had recommended that the city not allow these businesses to remain open past 2 a.m. because they might become hangouts for youth.

The studios do not sell liquor and cater primarily to young Asian adults.

Councilman John Collins said the council also had concerns about the potential of young people congregating at the establishments.

Collins said Fountain Valley would have been the only city in Orange County to allow these types of businesses to stay open beyond 2 a.m.

“You just don’t want people running around at 4 o’clock in the morning,” he said.