Southeast : LASER SPACE

Outer space may come indoors in Lakewood, but first it needs a permit.

And that means a public hearing tonight on a proposal to open a laser tag game in the same mall that houses a bowling alley, movie theaters and skating rink. While Lakewood zoning ordinances require a permit for any indoor recreational facility, city spokesman Donald Waldie said, Laser Mania’s application “calls for some sober reflection because it involves make-believe shooting as a form of entertainment.”

In laser tag, widely popular in Europe and just gaining ground in Southern California, a maximum of 20 participants wearing five pounds of light-sensitive equipment break into teams and try to zap each other with laser guns. The futuristic jousts last 10 minutes in a darkened and fog-laden arena decked out with mazes, spotlights, music and sirens. The cost is $5.

“It’s a very supervised game with an attendant in the arena at all times who can shut down any individual laser if someone is running or getting too rowdy,” said Russell McCart, whose company, Cal Laser, hopes to open by April 1.

The Planning and Environment Commission has already imposed certain conditions that include banning alcoholic beverages, ensuring adult supervision at all times and reviewing the facility every 90 days during its first year.