Renovations OKd for O’Leary’s Pub

Despite community complaints, a local bar has won approval for a significant renovation. O’Leary’s Pub will now be able to add three new pool tables, three television sets, a satellite dish, a dartboard and a jukebox.

The City Council this week granted owner Tao Van Lee the permit on a unanimous vote even though several residents said bar patrons often litter, fight and make noise in the surrounding neighborhood. The bar is in the 200 block of East Whittier Boulevard.

Police Chief Steven H. Staveley said there have been no such complaints lodged against the bar this year. But he said police often were called to the area in prior years, when the bar was under different ownership.

Nevertheless, neighbors urged the council to deny the permit and shut down the tavern. The bar now has only one pool table and few other amenities.

Council members said the city will follow up on any complaints through the Police Department. The city plans to review the permit in six months.

The permit was granted with 16 conditions. The owner must build a six-foot wall in the back of the property, remove graffiti no later than 48 hours after it’s found, keep the rear door shut, provide no more than 16 customer seats and keep the site clean.