Panel Denies Dance Permit to Westwood Nightclub

Brushing aside allegations of racism and focusing on the concerns of police and fire officials, the Board of Zoning Appeals agreed Monday that a Westwood nightclub catering to a largely African American clientele should not be granted a dance permit.

The 3-1 vote upheld the decision of zoning administrator Leonard Levine, who cited public safety concerns and the club’s shaky record of compliance with local regulations when he rejected Duet nightclub and restaurant’s request for a conditional-use dance permit. The unusual permit is required in Westwood, where local ordinances keep tight control over everything from dancing to pool tables to signage on businesses.

But the owner of the nightclub, Chris Mallick, said that he would appeal the board’s decision to the Los Angeles City Council, and possibly pursue legal action against the city and others who have spoken out against the club.

“The deal is rigged and it’s clear to us that we don’t have many administrative options left,” Mallick said, adding that he would probably file civil rights claims against the city and possible defamation claims against homeowners who have voiced opposition to the nightclub.

Mallick, UCLA students and members of the Rev. Jesse Jackson’s Rainbow Coalition have alleged that homeowners have pressured police and politicians into unfairly cracking down on the nightclub because it has a largely African American clientele. Opponents said they are not concerned with Duet’s customers, however, but rather with what they have called its “irresponsible” management.

“This, I believe, is a nightclub masquerading as a restaurant,” Levine said, suggesting that Mallick and Duet’s managers attempted to skirt the community’s tight restrictions on dancing.

Police and fire officials agreed and said Duet’s history of violations makes the club a poor choice for the dance permit.