12-22-08 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL DECEMBER 22, 2008 the Council's agenda materials. The latest incident that occurred was on November 21, 2008 in which alcohol was sold to a minor at the liquor establishment. The City Attorney noted that a public hearing has been called to consider the suspension or revocation of Bangkok Avenue's liquor and other licenses. Mr. Robert Thao is present this evening. Mr. Robert Thao, Bangkok Avenue, appeared before the Council Mr. Thao noted his agreement with Tara Event Hall, which calls for Tara to take over his space completely toward the end of January, 2009. Mr. Thao reported that he has some events scheduled at Bangkok Avenue and requested that the Council allow him to continue to operate through January 4, 2009. After that date, he will completely vacate the premises. Mr. Thao acknowledged that he received notices of the Public Hearing this evening to consider the suspension or revocation of his licenses. Mr. Thao stated that he preferred to avoid either of these actions indicating that they will hurt his credibility in the future. Again, Mr. Thao requested that the Council allow him to continue to operate through January 4`" at this time he will voluntarily give up his licenses. Thao indicated that operating through January 4`" will give him an opportunity to try to recoup some of his investment in the property. Blesener asked if Mr. Thao had scheduled events during this tirneframe. Thao replied that he did and also had a clan event scheduled for January 9, 2009. The Council expressed concern with allowing Bangkok Avenue to continue to operate especially over the New Year's Holidays. Keis pointed out the numerous calls to the establishment and his concern that there will be a serious tragedy at Bangkok. Keis stated that based on the incidents that have occurred at Bangkok, how could the Council justify allowing the business to continue. Thao reported that the events he has scheduled are local celebrations that will be attended by responsible adults. Thao indicated that it has been young people that he has had problems with and indicated that if there are young people in attendance and he observes problems, he will not allow them to remain in the establishment. Elaine O'Hara, Tara Event Hall, reported that her business and Mr. Thao's have collided from the beginning. O'Hara reported that Heritage Theater is operating fi•om her hall, and is a place for• family entertainment. Many aspects of the Bangkok Avenue business, such as noise, have been a problem for her business. O'Hara reported that she will be taking over the Bangkok Avenue space, and has an agreement with Mr. Thao outlining the 16