City to Consider Revoking Pasadena Bar’s Permit Over Alleged Violations

City officials are planning a hearing this week to consider revoking the alcohol license of a German beer bar and restaurant in Pasadena over repeated allegations of violations, such as staying open too late, playing ,music beyond authorized hours and failing to provide a security guard.

A Planning and Community Development Department hearing officer is scheduled to consider pulling the conditional use permit of Der Wolfskopf, also known as Der Wolf, 72 North Fair Oaks Ave., at the upcoming meeting on Wednesday.

“In response to community complaints indicating that Der Wolfskopf has been operating into the late hours and selling alcohol, the Pasadena Police Department and the Code Compliance Division conducted inspections,” according to a city staff report, which recommends revoking the business’ permit.

“The inspections revealed several violations to the conditions of approval of the CUP. The complaints were received and inspections were conducted while the State of California and City of Pasadena’s “safer-at-home” orders were in effect as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic,” according to the city report.

The business had suspended indoor services and was offering only patio dining, according to its Facebook page.

Representatives of the business could not be reached for comment Monday.

Police and code enforcement officials observed the business selling alcohol after 1 a.m. and remaining open after 1:30 a.m., in violation of city code on May 16, June 27 and July 4, officials allege.

“Complaints received by the public indicated that at times Der Wolfskopf was operating until 5:00 a.m.,” according to the staff report.

Officials found food service was not available while alcohol was being served, in violation of city code, on May 16, June 27 and July 4, according to the report.

While the business’ permit requires at least one licensed and uniformed security guard for every 20 patrons present between 8 p.m. and 1 a.m., police and code enforcement officials found no security on duty on the night’s of June 27 and July 4, the report states.

And the bar was accused of playing music beyond the permitted time of 1 a.m. on May 16, June 27 and July 4.

With respect to the allegations regarding noise issues, the city zoning administrator determined “the use allowed by the CUP has become detrimental to the public health, safety, and welfare, and the manner of operation is creating a public nuisance,” the staff report said.