LA HABRA : Nightclub Earns Permit Extension

The Casbah nightclub has won approval to continue offering entertainment for another year.

In the past, the City Council has required the owner, Eric Bewley, to apply for an entertainment permit renewal every three to six months because of numerous complaints from residents about noise and unruly behavior at the club.

In a review last week, however, the city reported fewer police calls to the Casbah recently--only one police citation for loud music in the past three months, officials said.

“We need to stop fighting each other,” said Bewley, who has successfully battled City Hall in court to keep his entertainment permit.

Council members commended Bewley as they issued the new permit.

During a permit renewal hearing last year, the mood was much less pleasant. At that time, council members said they were renewing Bewley’s permit only because they were afraid that, if they rejected the request, the club owner would sue the city.

They also required Bewley to undergo a permit review in 90 days because residents had lodged more than 30 complaints against the bar.

The one-year permit allows Bewley to offer live music and dancing at his club, and to have a jukebox, two pool tables and a cigarette machine.