Nightclub Owner Withdraws Appeal

A nightclub owner recently withdrew his appeal to the L.A. City Board of Zoning Appeals over a list of conditions his club must meet to stay in business, including hiring more security guards and raising the age minimum to 21 from 18.

Richard Kritzer withdrew the appeal after a 1 1/2-year battle with area residents over his Ventura Boulevard club, the Aftershock.

Residents had complained to police about parking violations, littering and noise disturbances by club patrons, Officer John Caprarelli of the LAPD’s North Hollywood Division said.

“I received many complaints about the Aftershock. Usually they come from people being woken up by loud talking and laughing late at night,” Caprarelli said.

Caprarelli passed the complaints to the Zoning Administration, which issued a list of 20 conditions the club must meet to stay in business. A hearing will be held after 90 days to determine whether the club has met the zoning agency’s requirements.

Kritzer initially appealed the conditions, citing the mandatory hiring of additional guards, a patrol vehicle and an increase in the minimum age.

He withdrew the appeal in late October, however, and officials believe the club owner will now meet the zoning requirements.

“Hopefully, this problem is behind us and the club can continue to operate under these guidelines,” said Tom Henry, a spokesman for Councilman Joel Wachs’ office.

The Aftershock is one of the more popular clubs in the area, playing ‘80s music, disco, industrial and funk. It is open Wednesdays through Saturdays.

Kritzer and his lawyer, Joshua Kaplan, did not return several phone calls.