The Long Beach Police Department has recommended a denial of entertainment permit renewal for Panama Joe’s Mexican Grill and Cantina in Belmont Shore, according to a lengthy report released by the Department earlier this week.

The report details that LBPD has kept a meticulous record of all arrests and incidents stemming from the bar and, after giving the owners ample time to take corrective measures, has expressed its no-confidence vote by recommending the suspension of all music related entertainment.

According to the extensive run down, between December 14 2011 and May 31 2012, there were 5 calls for service, 6 incidents reports and 15 arrests attributable to the business. 7 people were arrested for DUIs, 7 for public intoxication and 1 for urinating in public.

In addition, on February 21 2012, three people who had been patronizing Panama Joe’s up until a few minutes earlier were responsible for breaking a glass window of a nearby business and removing some items, resulting in 1 arrest for burglary.

As a part of the investigation, 3 individuals residing within 100 yards of the establishment have been contacted to present their position on Panama Joe’s permit renewal, but none of them objected to Joe’s continuing its entertainment activities.

In spite of resident’s opinion to the contrary, Michael Beckman-East Division Commander-has been adamantly opposed the the permit renewal, citing 5 attempts made between 2010 and 2012 by the department to make the owners aware of the disturbances and take preventive measures, all without the desired effect.

An excerpt from the report, states that: “ Over the past several years, Lieutenant Rudy Komisza, has had at least 5 telephone conversations with Mr. Newman or Mr. Risk (i.e. the owners) to address issues of concern, such as disturbance related calls for service, […] alcohol related arrests continue to be a burden on Police Department resources and have a negative impact on the surrounding community.”

The problems appear to stem from the establishment’s over-service of alcohol. According to the California Alcohol and Beverage Commission, it is the business’ job to promote the responsible sale of alcohol. It is illegal to serve alcohol to an “obviously intoxicated person,” punishable by a misdemeanor.