Venice Neighborhood Council Approves Alcohol Sales for Local 1205

The Venice Neighborhood Council voted on Tuesday night to approve Local 1205's re-application for a permit to sell alcohol off-site as well as allow its juice bar to stay open until 3 a.m.

The board struck down the same application last year. However, Local 1205, which is located at 1205 Abbot Kinney Blvd., has only officially been open and operating as a business for the past four months, according to Elizabeth Peterson of the Elizabeth Peterson Group which represents Local 1205.

"'It's a great neighborhood business now," Peterson said.

Local 1205 has an oyster bar, a market and a deli and offers something unique to the area, according to Peterson.

"They do a lot of organic food," Peterson said. "They are very committed to unique products, and they are committed to craft beers."

Chef John Keenan said he loves working in the "open environment" Local 1205 offers.

"I was drawn to the place and Abbot Kinney because it's so beautiful," Keenan said.

Those opposed to the plan argued that Abbot Kinney Boulevard does not need any additional businesses that sell alcohol and that it is located too close to some local residences. However, Angela Hackman, a Venice resident who lives nearby, said she supports it.

"It's a unique deli," Hackman said. "You don't have that in the rest of the city."

Venice Neighborhood Council Board member Ira Koslow was concerned about the precendent that would be set if alcohol sales were approved. He also objected to Local 1205's juice bar staying open until 3 a.m.

"I want you to realize the longterm effects of what we do," Koslow told the board.

Vice President Marc Saltzberg pointed out that the council had implemented a policy three years ago to not approve of any off-site, alcohol sales in Venice which led some members of the community as well as board members to list other businesses in the area that do sell alcohol to go.

Keenan said the off-site sales request was included because there is a market on site.

The majority of the members voted at Tuesday night's meeting at Westminster Avenue Elementary School to allow Local 1205 to have a 3 a.m. closing time. A separate vote was then held in which 11 voted in favor of the off-site sale of alcohol. Two members were opposed while two abstained.

Local 1205's request is expected to go before the Department of City Planning next.