Bar Owner Loses Bid for Dance Permit

After hearing impassioned testimony from dozens of angry neighbors, the City Council denied a dance and entertainment permit to a bar owner in east Ventura.

The bar, known as the A Incognito/Scandia West Nightclub, is at 1091 Scandia Ave. in a largely residential neighborhood.

The space has served as a bar for several years, and that function is permitted under current zoning regulations.

But when new owner James Dean took over, he wanted to have dancing and live bands.

Dean filed an application for a dancing and entertainment permit Sept. 5.

Apparently believing the application to be a permit, Dean brought in some live bands.

The outcry by neighbors was immediate and overwhelming. They complained of noise, increased traffic and parking on the street.

Residents presented the city a petition with 103 names objecting to the permit.

In response, Dean presented a petition with almost 300 signatures of people who supported having live bands and entertainment at the establishment.

At Monday night’s meeting, more than two dozen residents spoke against the permit.

“Half a lifetime ago I would have been pumped. I would have been looking at the party potential,” said Jim Dembowski, who lives in the neighborhood. “But now I am looking at my little ones . . . and my wife. The party doesn’t stop at the door. It goes out to the parking lot. It goes out to the street.”

Dean pointed out that there are three other clubs in the area with dance and entertainment licenses.

“I’ll get a soundproof wall. I’ll get double doors. I’ll do whatever it takes,” he told the council. “Give me a chance.”

But City Council members remained unswayed.

“There is an incompatibility between a business of this nature and a residential neighborhood,” Councilman Ray Di Guilio said.

The council voted 7 to 0 to deny the permit.