Council approves La Quintina extended-hours request after debate over police capacity

The City Council voted to grant an extended-hours permit for La Quintina on Dec. 31 after hearing from the business owner and the police department.

Julien Maurizio Segura requested permission to extend operations until 3 a.m. on New Year's Eve. The police department reviewed the establishment's security plan and said it had "reviewed the security plan" but expressed systemic staffing concerns if multiple establishments received extended hours. A police representative told the council that while prior permits had not generated calls for service for some establishments, mandating police details for many bars would strain scarce personnel and could have knock-on effects on citywide patrol coverage.

Segura answered council questions and said he would close the parking lot to control the crowd and that he had no problem paying for additional security if needed: "I don't have any problem to pay for that." Several council members proposed tabling the request to hear a follow-up report from police comparing multiple applicants; others said the application met requirements and urged a decision.

After discussion the council voted to approve La Quintina's request (motion passed 4-0 in the recorded roll call). The council directed the police department to continue coordinating with the applicant on final security details and to report back to the council if issues arise.

Why it matters: The vote balances local economic activity and cultural celebrations with public-safety concerns about limited police staffing on a major holiday night. The council's decision emphasizes case-by-case review of security plans and the option to require private security or police details when warranted.

Quote attribution: All direct quotes are taken from the petitioner and from police remarks given during the hearing.