Rodman’s Restaurant Is Target of Crackdown

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

The city attorney asked an Orange County Superior Court judge Friday to ban live entertainment and dancing at Josh Slocum’s, Rodman’s bay-side seafood restaurant in Newport Beach.

The city’s request is the latest complaint leveled against the restaurant, which recently hosted Rodman’s wild birthday bash after police ejected party-goers from the beach around Rodman’s home.

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

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

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

McElroy said that in the last two months, police have been called to the restaurant 50 times for complaints of excessive noise, fighting and overcrowding. The restaurant’s capacity is listed at 130. Officials say that limit is exceeded on a regular basis.

Lawyer Paul Meyer, who is representing the restaurant’s owner, Random Holdings Inc., declined to discuss the controversy.

“My comment is that 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.”