WOODLAND HILLS : City Sues to Stop Club’s Liquor Sales

Los Angeles City Atty. James K. Hahn has filed an alcohol abatement lawsuit against The Red Onion restaurant in Woodland Hills, saying police have made many arrests there for the illegal sale of alcoholic drinks to drunken persons and minors.

The suit, filed Aug. 27, names the operator, Onion International Inc., doing business as The Red Onion, as well as property owner Roland Sahm.

Hahn said the restaurant at 6424 Canoga Ave. also has become a focal point for other criminal activity, including drunk driving and assaults.

Deputy City Atty. Henry Burr said four drunk driving arrests were made in the vicinity of the restaurant in the last two weeks of July. He said police have made at least eight arrests in the restaurant in the past two years for the sale of alcoholic drinks to minors and people who were already drunk.

In a statement, Hahn also said West Valley police have reported dozens of incidents of battery and armed assault in the past two years, as well as 16 arrests for public urination, 11 vandalism complaints and 28 theft reports.

Corporate Red Onion executives could not be reached for comment. Jeff Harrelson, general manager of the Woodland Hills restaurant, said he was not aware of any problems or violations occurring inside or outside the restaurant.