Authorities will be cracking down on code violations at nightclubs in Hollywood as part of a coordinated effort between the Los Angeles Police Department, the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety, the Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office and the office of Los Angeles City Councilman Mitch O’Farrell, 13th District.

Los Angeles City Councilman Mitch O’Farrell, 13th District, was joined by Frank Bush (left), executive officer for the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety, and Capt. Peter Zarcone, of the LAPD’s Hollywood Division, to announce a crack down on Hollywood nightclubs for code violations. (photo by Edwin Folven)

O’Farrell held a press conference on Hollywood Boulevard on Oct. 8 to announce the crack down, and said it was prompted by violations occurring in two nightclubs – the Hollywood Supper Club and Cashmere – both of which are facing administrative or criminal violations.

Los Angeles City Attorney Mike Feuer announced on Oct. 7 that the owners of the Hollywood Supper Club, located at 6675 Hollywood Blvd., are facing a probation violation for failing to fix fire and safety hazards. Cashmere, located at 6757 Hollywood Blvd., is under investigation for failure to adhere to conditions of the club’s operating permit.

O’Farrell cited underage drinking, over-serving alcohol to intoxicated patrons and staying open after hours as examples of violations causing concern. He added that police are investigating the Aug. 22 death of a 20-year-old man at Cashmere. Jose Silva, 20, of Maywood, collapsed after being involved in an altercation at the club. Although police are still investigating the death and it hasn’t been officially ruled a homicide, O’Farrell said it is indicative of problems he does not want to see continue in the Hollywood Entertainment District. Silva, who was described as a guest DJ at the club that night, should not have been there at the time since he was under 21, the councilman added.

“The long list of permit violations at a handful of Hollywood nightclubs is unacceptable,” O’Farrell said. “These violations adversely affect the health, safety and well being of those who live and work in the area, and endanger the lives of their own patrons.”

Frank Bush, executive officer for the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety, said the owners of Cashmere face an administrative hearing on Oct. 22 at 11 a.m. at Los Angeles City Hall for violations of city codes. He declined to identify specific violations prior to the hearing.

A probation violation hearing for the Hollywood Supper Club’s owners will be held on Oct. 20 in Department 47 of the Los Angeles Superior Court.

Capt. Peter Zarcone, of the LAPD’s Hollywood Division, said although police have not specifically experienced an increase in reports of problems at Hollywood nightclubs, officers routinely deal with people who leave the clubs and are intoxicated in public. Authorities said the crack down will occur in the weeks leading up to Halloween, which Zarcone described as the “biggest night of the year” for law enforcement in Hollywood. Thousands of people flock to the area, despite there being no official Halloween event.

“With [Halloween] being on a Saturday this year, we are anticipating there will be more [people],” Zarcone added. “We will be deployed accordingly.”

Approximately 300 police officers will be patrolling the neighborhoods around Hollywood Boulevard on Oct. 31. Authorities will also be looking for violations in the nightclubs.

“We don’t want to paint all club operators with the same brush,” Zarcone added. “There are some out there who are good members of the community, and there are some who are purely profit motivated. The LAPD is committed to working hand-in-hand with our city partners to make Hollywood even safer.”

Bush said nightclubs must adhere to rules stipulated in their conditional use permits to operate, and can be ordered to close for repeat violations. He encouraged people who observe violations at nightclubs to report them by calling 311, or by visiting www.ladbs.org.