House of Blues on Sunset Strip in jeopardy of sanctions

The landmark Sunset Strip nightclub might lose its business license or have it suspended, as the City Council is set to discuss the disturbances tonight.

Councilman John Heilman introduced the agenda item, citing in his staff report that the House of Blues hasn't improved security after a series of bar fights over the years.

Within the last 12 months, events at the House of Blues have led to 44 arrests for incidents including fights, drunk and disorderly behavior, and grand theft, according to statistics released in Heilman's staff report. During the same time period, there have been more than 100 sheriff's radio dispatches to the venue.

The most recent bar fight, on Sept. 4, left one woman hospitalized, involved more than 100 people brawling both inside and outside, and shut down the Sunset Strip for most of that Thursday evening, the report said.

In that incident, Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department deputies had to request assistance from the L.A. and Beverly Hills police departments while arresting dozens of people on outstanding warrants, battery and drunkenness.

Heilman, who has served on the council since it was formed in November 1984, couldn't be reached before tonight's meeting, but staffers said the report includes the basis of his concern.

"Unfortunately, for the last several years, the House of Blues has had a history of serious problems and an unwillingness to address these problems," the report said. "After each serious incident, there is a perfunctory apology and a promise to reform, but the problems persist and have escalated."

An employee at the Sunset House of Blues gave no comment, saying the club's spokeswoman couldn't be reached.

Heilman's report said that although management "claims to accept responsibility and expresses a desire to change," the establishment "continues to host events and promote the venue to groups which disrespect the community and the business."

Heilman's report also argues that the number of incidents to which local law enforcement responds is excessive and the place altogether is disruptive to nearby residents and businesses.

The report lists a series of violent incidents that have occurred this year at the Strip's House of Blues:

* Feb. 27: Patron hit in the face at concert.