Planning Commission approves taproom permit for Mexican Monk Brewhouse at Paramount Boulevard

The City of Paramount Planning Commission approved Conditional Use Permit No. 984 on Dec. 3 to allow Mexican Monk Brewhouse to sell beer for on-site consumption at 15950 Paramount Boulevard, Suites B and C. Assistant Director Monica Rodriguez recommended approval with conditions after staff found the use compatible with the downtown commercial zoning and parking arrangement.

Staff said the building totals 7,041 square feet on a 24,926-square-foot parcel and that Mexican Monk would occupy Suites B and C while Orchateria Rio Luna remains in Suite A. Rodriguez noted the site currently provides 46 shared parking spaces under an agreement with the adjacent Bank of California and described conditions meant to limit impacts, including a 58-seat cap and requiring alcohol sales to end 30 minutes before closing.

Rodriguez also told commissioners that ABC (California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control) evaluates the number of on-sale licenses by census tract and that adding the proposed Type 40 license would exceed that tract’s usual limit of six licenses; because of that, the commission must find that public convenience or necessity would be served. Staff said Paramount Police and the LA County Sheriff’s Department reviewed the application and reported no concerns.

David Vasquez, the applicant identified in the staff report, told the commission he and his family aim to create a “warm welcoming space for families” and to complement the existing Orchateria Rio Luna in the downtown area. “We just want to bring something different to the community,” he said.

After the public comment period closed with no opposition, commissioners moved and carried the item by roll call. The approval advances the application to any required ABC review and to the the applicant’s building-plan legalization steps.

The planning commission record shows staff will continue to coordinate with ABC and building-plan check to ensure any outstanding interior remodel and refrigeration installations are legalized and that conditions of approval are met.