Music Ban Sought at Rodman’s Restaurant

The city of Newport Beach has made good on its pledge to crack down on raucous behavior at a restaurant partly owned by former basketball star Dennis Rodman.

The city attorney Friday asked an Orange County Superior Court judge to ban live entertainment and dancing at Josh Slocum’s, Rodman’s bay-side seafood restaurant, pending the outcome of permit negotiations between the owners and the city.

The city’s request is the latest in a string of complaints leveled against the small restaurant, which recently hosted Rodman’s wild birthday bash after police ejected partygoers from the beach near Rodman’s home.

City officials deny Rodman’s accusations that they have targeted the restaurant because of his interest, even though the legal action was filed just days after Rodman chastised the City Council for stiffening noise restrictions.

“The city found out only recently that Rodman is part owner of the restaurant. We get complaints about this establishment almost every day,” said Gail McElroy, a city spokeswoman.

The city alleges that the Slocum’s owners have repeatedly violated city ordinances by hosting live entertainment and dancing without permits. If a judge grants the request, the West Coast Highway restaurant must apply to the city Planning Commission for a special permit.

Lawyer Paul Meyer, who is representing the restaurant’s majority owner, Random Holdings Inc., declined to discuss the controversy. “We’re in discussions with the city and we’re making progress,” Meyer said.

City officials had a much different perspective. “Discussions haven’t led anyplace,” McElroy said. “That’s why we’ve filed this injunction, to say we’re serious.”