At its June 16 meeting, the Brentwood Planning Commission is set to talk about a conditional use permit to change the ABC liquor license type for Vinnie’s Emporium.
According to the agenda, staff is asking the planning commission to “deny” the request for a conditional use permit to change the ABC liquor license type for Vinnie’s Emporium from a restaurant selling beer and wine (Type 41) to a bar/nightclub (Type 48) located at 561 First Street.
According to the project narrative, provided by the owner of Vinnie’s, they are looking to provide almost identical level of service presently offered in Concord. Per his narrative:
Currently, Brentwood Emporium operates on an ABC 41 – beer and wine license. We would be looking to bring in an ABC-48, a full bar license, as we feel the current ABC 41 license has historically not worked for the location. We would still be operating the kitchen and offering casual dining every day. The reason we are seeking an ABC 48 over an ABC 47 is the kitchen is a good size but not big enough to sustain enough business to hit the 51% required food sales that come as a stipulation with an ABC 47 license. With the ABC 48 we will not allow minors on the premises and it will strictly be age 21 and over. 5/21/2026 In Concord, we employ 7-8 full-time employees and at least 13 part-time staff. I project I would have to hire a similar amount for the Brentwood operations given the size and operations are very similar.
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- Security: In Concord, we possess a “Proprietor Private Security License” issued by the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (license attached). This allows us to hire and maintain our own security staff of licensed, guard card holding individuals. This is better for insurance purposes and also ensures a higher quality of bouncer due to the training they must undertake to hold the license. We operate under the rule of thumb that we have one guard card holding bouncer per 50 patrons. Vinnie’s Emporium will possess and hold its own “Proprietor Private Security License” issued by the BSIS and we will follow the same procedures as we do in Concord. We keep at least one bouncer on staff every night of the week regardless of if we are providing entertainment, just for good measure.
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According to the staff report:
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The Brentwood Emporium recently closed its doors, and the building is currently for sale. The owner/operator of Vinnie’s Bar and Grill located in Concord is looking to purchase and open a bar under the name of Vinnie’s Emporium, which would also provide a variety of different entertainment options, such as dance lessons, DJs, comedy shows, karaoke, live entertainment and more; similar to the operations of the Concord location.
The business would continue to operate within the previously approved hours of operation; however, at this time, the applicant is requesting a change in the ABC liquor license to a Type-48, On-Sale General-Public Premises.
If approved, this would allow the sale of hard alcohol/spirits in addition to the existing beer and wine offered. It should be noted that the change in license would not require the sale of food associated with the business.
While Vinnie’s Emporium intends to serve food, the business would no longer be required (under the ABC license) to do so in order to serve hard alcohol/spirits, beer and wine, if a Type-48 license is granted. Additionally, the Type-48 ABC license restricts access to the business at all times to those over 21 years of age.
Staff Analysis:
The Downtown Core District Zone of the Downtown Specific Plan conditionally permits restaurants serving alcohol and providing live entertainment after the hours of 10:00 PM. As mentioned, a conditional use permit was granted in 2016 to allow the live entertainment until 12:00 AM and the restaurant to serve beer and wine until 1:00 AM.
As proposed with a Type-48 ABC license, food would no longer be required to be served. This would fundamentally change the use classification from a restaurant serving beer and wine after 10:00 PM to the bar/nightclub classification, which requires a conditional use permit regardless of the hours of the alcohol sales.
This would fundamentally change the use classification from a restaurant serving beer and wine after 10:00 PM to the bar/nightclub classification, which requires a conditional use permit regardless of the hours of the alcohol sales.
Issues Cited:
- One of the primary concerns in reviewing a conditional use permit application is the effect of the proposed use on surrounding properties.
- The current proposal is not compatible with existing and planned land uses, and creates a variety of concerns.
- The proposed bar/night club is incompatible due to the concentration of activity during the late-night hours and the age restriction to access the business to individuals 21 years of age and over. This does not promote the vision and goals of the Downtown Specific Plan providing a family-friendly neighborhood environment for all to enjoy. The proposed use focuses the concentration of business on alcohol sales and late-night hours which can cause noise and public safety issues creating potential harmful effects on the adjacent residential development and character of the downtown.
Staff has determined that the proposed Conditional Use Permit amendment to allow a Type 48 bar/nightclub is inconsistent with the Downtown Specific Plan, incompatible with surrounding uses, and detrimental to the public health, safety, and welfare. As outlined in the attached draft Resolution No. 26-014, the required findings for approval cannot be made, and the application should therefore be denied.
As of Friday, there are 262 pages of public comments: Click Here to read
In a supplemental document, Lt. Renee Williams, Code Enforcement Sgt of the Concord Police Department, shared her experience with Vinnies between 2016-2022 said the establishment generally operated within the framework of its permit conditions.
“When concerns did arise that required attention, Mr. Parker was responsive and communicated with our department regarding corrective actions. My interactions with him were professional and focused on maintaining compliance with applicable regulations.
I would note that my experience with Mr. Parker and his business is limited to my time and role within the City of Concord. Based on that experience, I would not have concerns with him operating a new establishment within our jurisdiction. However, I do not have knowledge of the specific considerations, concerns, or regulatory factors currently under review by the City of Brentwood, and I am not in a position to offer a recommendation regarding their permitting process or liquor license.” — see full letter.
IF You Go
Brentwood Planning Commission
City Council Chambers
150 City Park Way, Brentwood, CA 94513
Staff Report: Click Here
