Restaurant hopes to expand

Despite a barrage of complaints from neighbors, operators of newly

opened Mozambique restaurant are hoping to add seating and extend the

restaurant’s hours of operation.

Mozambique will bring its case to the planning commission on Oct.

26.

The African-themed establishment, which opened in July, has been

accused by some neighbors of being a nightclub with a rowdy and

disruptive crowd.

“Granted it’s an upscale crowd, [but] they’re loud and obnoxious,”

said John Ferrante of the Woods Cove Neighborhood Assn., which has

collected 50 signatures on a petition opposing the expansion plans.

“We’re working to minimize the impact on the neighborhood,” said

Ferrante, who claims to be routinely awakened by drunken revelers.

“We’re in a battle to stop what has happened.”

Residents have complained that patrons and employees park on

neighborhood streets, make noise late at night and leave trash in

yards.

There have also been reports of car-keying and urinating on

private property.

Tony Shill, managing partner of Mozambique LLC, believes patrons

of his restaurant are not solely responsible for the problems, and

that other establishments in the area may be contributing.

After speaking with neighbors, Shill said he gave out his cell

phone number to handle complaints, though has received only two or

three calls.

“We want to operate a successful high-end restaurant and lounge,

and provide to the community,” said Shill.

Shill said Mozambique has enough parking to serve its customers,

with 61 spaces on its own lot and an additional 58 spaces across the

street.

According to Shill, that number of spaces can accommodate the

patrons at his establishment, which now has 140 seats.

In addition, Shill said he has warned employees not to park on or

east of Glenneyre Street in the residential area. Employees who

violate the policy will be fired, he said.

Mozambique also runs a valet service and uses two 10-passenger

vans to shuttle parties of six or more within Laguna Beach.

Bill Brooks, a business partner at Mozambique, claimed his typical

patron is generally between the ages of 40 and 65 and spends around

$200 a night. That is not the typical trouble-making nightclub

patron, Brooks said.

Brooks said the bar area of the restaurant is 540 square feet,

with only 24 seats and no dance floor.

Live bands play in the bar area on a weekly basis, and the

restaurant restricts the volume of the music.

QUESTION

Should a new restaurant be allowed to expand beyond its permitted

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