WESTLAKE VILLAGE : Council to Consider Cafe-Billiard Hall

A North Hollywood man has applied to open the first combination cafe and billiard hall in Westlake Village.

Grigor Ter-Nersesian has requested a conditional-use permit to open a 5,300-square-foot hall in the 30800 block of Thousand Oaks Boulevard. The City Council will hold a hearing on the request at 7:30 tonight at City Hall, 4373 Park Terrace Drive.

Ter-Nersesian tried to open a billiard hall in Reseda last August but was denied a permit because of a temporary ban on new billiard businesses in that area. Ter-Nersesian said his new efforts will bring a “high-class operation” to Westlake Village.

“It’s going to be like a community thing to do,” he said. “People will meet someone there, have lunch, play pool.”

Ter-Nersesian said he plans to keep the cafe open from about 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. The menu will feature sandwiches.

Ter-Nersesian said he has not yet decided whether to sell alcohol.

City Councilman Ken Rufener said that if approved, Ter-Nersesian’s business would be the first of its kind in the city. A residential neighborhood is nearby, and Rufener said some opposition is expected.

However, city staff has recommended approval for the permit with some conditions, and Rufener said he is keeping an open mind.

“Unless I hear something at the hearing that I’m not aware of now, I’m in favor of it,” he said.

“It would be an excellent gathering place for young people and we need that.”