The Willow Glen Resident

Pool hall commission meeting unearthed surprise violations

By Cecily Barnes

While requesting Planning Commission approval to stay open until 2 a.m. last Wednesday, Willow Glen Billiards and Brew unknowingly indicted itself and at least one other Lincoln Avenue business for code violations. According to senior planner Carol Hamilton, the billiards hall does not have city permission to operate an outdoor barbecue, and Sharky's Bar across the street does not have a 24-hour use permit to stay open past midnight.

"They'll have to stop barbecuing outdoors, and our code enforcement staff will be looking into that, and the bar," Hamilton said.

At the Planning Commission's Nov. 19 public hearing, a man complained to commissioners about smoke from Billiards and Brew's barbecue.

"They frequently use an outdoor barbecue, and it's about 120 feet from our window," Blewett Avenue resident William Ready said. "I find any kind of smoke prejudicial to my health."

Although barbecue smoke had nothing to do with Billiards and Brew's hours of operation, commissioners asked staff if the pub's permit specified outdoor barbecuing. It did not, and, as a result, the matter was referred to Code Enforcement.

At another point during the hearing, Billiards and Brew general manager Spiro Stamos argued his pub should be granted a permit since three other bars on Lincoln Avenue had 2 a.m. permits, and then he listed the bars. At this point, planning staff specified that only Goosetown Caffe and The Plaza have 24-hour use permits-- Sharky's does not.

"That's good to know," Commissioner Tony West said.

Both matters have been referred to the city's Code Enforcement Department.

The co-owner of Willow Glen Billiards and Brew, John Karamanos, said if there is a problem, they will simply apply for a barbecue permit from the city.

"We already have Health Department approval and Fire Department approval," he added.

Sharky's owner Fran Crozier said if her bar is breaking code she is not aware of it.

"We've been open for six years, and I'm not aware of any violations," she said. "I'm sure if the Planning Commission had me in violation, they would have told me."

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