Newport Beach : Planners to Consider Closing of Nightclub

The Planning Commission tonight will consider whether to close down the six-month-old Bacchus nightclub because of what police call a pattern of rowdy behavior, including a brawl outside the club earlier this month.

During the fight, three people who were arrested and placed in Newport Beach police patrol cars were freed by others in the crowd. One person escaped wearing handcuffs.

This incident, according to Police Chief Robert J. McDonell, follows a series of problems at the club that have kept police officers busy.

At a City Council study session two weeks ago, McDonell said he would recommend to the Planning Commission that Bacchus be shut down. Planning Commissioner Gary Di Sano said the commission will not pull the permit pending a public hearing in coming weeks so that both sides can be heard.

Bacchus has pledged to do whatever it takes to stay open. Robert Mitchell, one of the owners, said that the club would hire more security guards.

In a detailed report to commissioners dated March 20, police Sgt. Jim Kaminsky attached a chronology of 47 incidents that have required police attention at the club, including drug possession, public urination and numerous fights. According to the same report, the club has been cited twice by the state Alcoholic Beverage Control Department for not clearly identifying its security personnel and for operating a private club within the club.

The Planning Commission hearing starts at 7:30 tonight at City Hall.