Entertainment Permit Extended by Council

A divided City Council has approved a one-year extension of live entertainment at Via Maria Restaurant after hearing police testimony that efforts at reducing noise and violence at the eatery are working.

Via Maria’s live entertainment has been the focus of considerable debate because of noise complaints and reports of fights in recent months.

Last year, a similarly divided council granted a live entertainment permit for Via Maria, at 9969 Walker St.

The city revoked the restaurant’s permit in February after what police called a near riot in the parking lot.

The city restored the permit in March on condition that a dress code be instituted and security be added.

Acting Police Chief Robert Krauss told the council that patrol officers have worked with the owner to find solutions and have been present at closing time.

Via Maria co-owner Paul Blumenfeld said he has shut windows and doors to control sound, added more security and blocked parking lots.

But some residents told the council that music and noise continue to be a nuisance.

About 70 people signed a petition opposing the extension.

In voting to extend the permit, 3 to 2, the council required that Via Maria work with the city to reduce noise.

The council also voted to hold a public hearing on whether to revoke, alter or continue live music at La Terraza Restaurant, 6197 Ball Road.

Since the restaurant was issued its permit in December, police have been summoned nine times on complaints of violence, loud music and noise.

This month, a woman was slashed in the face with a machete in the parking lot.