Chelsea Licensing Commission Approves Extended Hours for Rancho Lasapus Despite Security Concerns

In a recent session, Chelsea Licensing Commission approved limited extended operating hours for Rancho Lasapus, a local restaurant, allowing it to remain open until 1:00 a.m. from Thursday through Saturday. This decision followed a detailed public hearing where concerns about potential disturbances in the residential area were addressed. Other topics included a review of licensing violations at Heler’s Liquors, the adoption of new residential property management regulations, and the approval of various annual license renewals.

14:01The discussion around Rancho Lasapus was the centerpiece of the meeting. Representatives Mark White and Gustavo Serna requested an extension of the restaurant’s operating hours from 11:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. every day. White highlighted that the establishment had maintained an incident-free record since its license transfer about a year prior. However, this prompted the commissioners to delve into the history of ownership transitions and the timing of license activation following a family bereavement. The deliberations revealed legal complexities related to the previous owner’s family and the necessary negotiations for licensing transfers.

18:27Sergeant Chung from the Chelsea Police Department provided valuable feedback regarding the necessity of implementing security measures should the extended hours be approved. Given the restaurant’s location in a residential neighborhood, the potential for disturbances from late-night patrons was highlighted. Chung acknowledged the restaurant’s cooperation in a recent police incident, emphasizing their assistance with surveillance footage review.

The commissioners expressed reservations about the proposed seven-day extension, focusing on the impact of late-night operations on the surrounding community. A consensus emerged that while extended hours could be permissible, they should be limited to weekends. A motion was introduced to allow Rancho Lasapus to extend its closing time to 1:00 a.m. only from Thursday through Saturday, with the current 11:00 p.m. closure maintained from Sunday through Wednesday. This motion was seconded and approved, balancing the restaurant’s business aspirations with community welfare.

36:08Another matter involved Heler’s Liquors, also known as Unity Beverages Incorporated. The commission addressed serious allegations against the establishment for selling alcohol to visibly intoxicated individuals. Sergeant Chung detailed an incident from March 11, 2025, with multiple licensing violations identified. These included a failure to check IDs, loitering, and lack of order within the premises. Further compliance inspections on April 8, 2025, revealed additional violations, such as improper signage and inadequate access to rules for employees.

49:17Ike Asog, the manager of Heler’s, defended the establishment, citing proactive measures to address police concerns and ensure operational compliance. Despite Asog’s assurances, the commission determined that the gravity of the infractions warranted a disciplinary hearing. This would allow for a review of the incident, including video evidence and further documentation from the police. The commission emphasized the necessity of adhering to established rules and regulations, underlining the importance of compliance for the future operation of licensed establishments.

01:02:02The commission also held a public hearing on the adoption of residential property management regulations. These new rules, recently approved by the city council, mandate that all residential property managers obtain a management license if managing properties for others. A point of contention arose regarding a provision allowing the chair discretion to summon applicant representatives before the board. One commissioner expressed concern over the potential misuse of this authority, advocating for a requirement of a full commission vote instead. Despite the debate, the regulations were adopted unanimously, providing oversight and accountability for property managers.

01:06:51Towards the end of the meeting, the commission approved several annual license renewals, including those for petroleum, garage, and parking lot operations, as well as old gold and pawn broker licenses. In a related discussion, Sergeant Chung referenced recent changes affecting constables’ roles, emphasizing the need for clarity regarding their authorized duties, particularly around serving civil processes.

Note: This meeting summary was generated by AI, which can occasionally misspell names, misattribute actions, and state inaccuracies. This summary is intended to be a starting point and you should review the meeting record linked above before acting on anything you read. If we got something wrong, let us know. We’re working every day to improve our process in pursuit of universal local government transparency.

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