Council OKs Proposed Curbs for Music City

Music City, a restaurant and bar where police problems “have reached a crescendo,” according to a city code enforcement officer, may be subject to new rules under a plan recommended this week by the City Council.

City officials said Music City, at 18774 Brookhurst St., has become more of a nightclub than restaurant and has prompted complaints from residents.

The council on Tuesday recommended that the Planning Commission review the proposed changes in the conditions for the restaurant’s permit, including a ban on punk, heavy metal or rap bands. Swing, rock or disco bands would continue to be allowed, as would dancing.

The proposals also would require that the rear doors be closed after 7 p.m. to avoid disturbing the neighborhood, that a security guard be posted on weekends and for special events, and that Music City close at midnight Monday through Thursday and 2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

Since October 1992, police have been called to the restaurant 32 times for various incidents and disturbances, Planning Services Manager Andrew Perea said. Many of the calls were prompted by customers who were drunk in public or in fights, Police Sgt. Dann Bean said.

Ted Porlas, code enforcement officer, said “some weeks, there were nightly [police] responses, and it just reached a crescendo. It got to the point where it wasn’t going to get better. It was starting to lead in the category of becoming a public nuisance.”

The Planning Commission will consider the proposals June 26.