Council approves Manila Bistro�s request to serve distilled spirits, allows live entertainment with conditions

The National City Council voted to approve a conditional use permit that will allow Manila Bistro at 933 South Harbison Avenue to upgrade its state liquor license from beer-and-wine to beer, wine and distilled spirits and to host limited live entertainment under a set of conditions intended to address neighborhood concerns.

City staff, represented by Martin Reeder, director of community development, told council members the 1,700-square-foot restaurant is largely seating (roughly 45% of floor area) and carries an existing Type 41 ABC license dating to 2004. Reeder said staff and the planning commission recommended approval with conditions including responsible beverage-service training, a security plan, exterior lighting improvements, signage to discourage off-premises consumption, and limits on live-entertainment hours tied to noise control. He also noted a police risk assessment scoring in the medium range and said the project would not increase the number of ABC licenses in the census tract.

Applicant representative Anthony Miranda said the owner, Juliet Mendoza, wants to operate as a family-oriented restaurant and to comply with city rules. "We would like to be compliant with the city," Miranda said, describing acoustic treatments the business installed, a contract for on-site security, and outreach to nearby residents. Miranda said extended weekend hours could generate additional revenue but emphasized that food sales account for roughly two-thirds of revenue and that the live entertainment is intended to complement dining rather than create a nightclub atmosphere.

Neighbors and other residents offered mixed views during public testimony. Supporters, including local business and cultural organizers, said Manila Bistro contributes to local commerce and community life. Some nearby residents raised concerns about noise, loitering, trash and the presence of people experiencing homelessness in the strip-mall area; one resident who said he performed decibel checks near the restaurant reported minimal noise. Councilmember discussion focused on balancing economic activity and neighbor impacts; several members urged careful enforcement and follow-up if conditions are violated.

Councilmember Yamani moved to approve the permit as recommended by staff; the motion was seconded and approved. The mayor abstained from the vote. The permit includes the staff-recommended conditions on hours, security, signage and responsible beverage service; the council noted it could revoke the permit if the conditions are violated.