Council denies sports bar request

Angelique Flores

The Fountain Valley City Council denied a request to house pool tables

and games at Jarboe’s Sports Bar and Grill, despite heartfelt testimony

by almost a dozen residents who support it.

Mike Jarboe, who owns the restaurant 16650 Harbor Blvd., appealed to the

council after the Planning Commission denied the same request in

November. He wanted to extend his hours to 1:30 a.m. and add at least two

pool tables, two games, five televisions and a juke box. The council felt

the extended hours and games would turn the operation into a full-fledged

bar, which is not permitted in that zone.

The council also cited a previous violation of the law.

In October 1998, the council allowed Jarboe to open a full-scale

restaurant that could stay open until 11 p.m. However, the owner had

three pool tables, a juke box, and four other coin-operated machines and

was keeping hours until 2 a.m. -- sometimes later, officials said.

In June, code enforcement fined Jarboe $500 for operating his business in

excess of his approved use and for serving alcohol past the 2 a.m. state

limit.

Jarboe said a consultant advised him to put in the games and keep late

hours. Since the Planning Commission denied his request to adjust his

operating permit, Jarboe said he has lost about 75% of their business.

Customers rallied around Jarboe.

“I consider [Jarboe’s] as a rec room, not a bar,” said resident Rudy

Aldana, who used to bring in his daughter to Jarboe’s when it had pool

tables.

Without the games, Jarboe said he may have to shut down.

“We’ll probably last a week or two,” he said. “I can’t keep it open

because I have no money left.”