Planning commission approves use permit allowing distilled spirits at 730 Main Street

The Half Moon Bay Planning Commission on Feb. 10 approved a use permit that allows distilled spirits to be sold and consumed on-site at a restaurant located at 730 Main Street.

Scott Phillips, the project planner, told commissioners the proposal would not change the primary restaurant use or extend hours beyond roughly 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; distilled spirits would be an accessory to full-meal service and the project was recommended for approval and found categorically exempt from CEQA in the staff report. "No distilled spirits would be sold within the public right of way," Phillips said during his presentation, and he noted mailed notices were sent to neighbors and that the Stark Gallery submitted a letter of support.

During public comment, local resident Joe Laster said he walks past the building daily and worried that a downstairs 12-by-9 room could become an unsupervised drinking area: "I just don't want anything going on downstairs." The applicant's representative responded that the business would operate as a full-service restaurant with staff supervising the patio and a clear single entry and exit so that "alcohol can't go wandering away," adding that supervision is likely to be an ABC condition.

Commissioners asked about previous liquor licenses in nearby storefronts, outdoor heating and the administrative review of small signs; staff confirmed signs under 20 square feet meet sign code and can be handled administratively. After deliberation, a motion was made to approve the use permit pursuant to the findings in Exhibit A and the conditions in Exhibit B; the motion was seconded and approved by roll-call vote.

The staff report identified the applicant as stated in the transcript (recorded as the 'Hat and Babe Ru Company' in the motion text) and noted the property had previously housed restaurants including Sacrilege Brewery and Restaurant. The commission recorded no conditions requiring expansion of the premises and no changes to the building footprint were approved as part of this permit.

Next steps: per the staff presentation, the decision is subject to the local appeal period identified in the staff report; any appeals must follow the timeline specified by the code.