Napas Tapas Owner Says City Decision To Impact His Business

The Palm Desert Planning Commission revoked a conditional use permit for a Palm Desert restaurant and bar, citing claims that the owner has not followed new restrictions put in place earlier this year.

In a 3-0 vote, commissioners voted to overturn a conditional use permit issued in 1996 to . Now, they can only serve beer and wine.

Commissioner Connor Limont was absent and Commission Chair Sonia Campbell abstained because she owns a business nearby on El Paseo.

During a public hearing, one of the co-owners, Ramon Vega, shot back at the commissioners.

“I don’t know what is exactly going on. I don’t know if you guys are shutting me down. I’m trying to build a life. I’m trying to run a business. I don’t know exactly what you guys want,” Vega said, pointing to a letter he had received from the city.

Commissioner Nancy DeLuna disagreed with Vegas' assertions.

"You are still back here out of compliance. That’s simply not the case. It’s not our job to impede you or to aid you. It’s our job to enforce the city regulations," DeLuna said.

In January, the Palm Desert City Council agreed in a 5-1 vote that the business could stay open until midnight during the week and until 2 a.m. on the weekends, but had to hire a security guard, change its occupancy and keep the area clean.

The city also found that the business license for Napas Tapas was not up to date, but the owners renewed the license, according to Lauri Aylaian, the city's director of community development.

, located at 73900 El Paseo, has also drawn complaints from neighbors.

During a January meeting, Jeanne Akin, owner of , said she has been in business in Palm Desert for over 36 years, but there has been a lot of confrontation between her and the owners of Napas Tapas.

"I have very upscale clientele," Akin said, adding that there is often trash around the business from the bar's patrons.

In June, the ABC restricted the business' liquor license for selling alcohol to a minor.

Vega has 15 days to appeal the Planning Commission decision to the Palm Desert City Council.