Eatery receives approval

Mathis Winkler

Thursday, Aug. 23, 2001 | 10:38 a.m.

Alejandro Ramirez delivers Mexican food in his lunch truck to North Las Vegas customers, but that could soon change.

After the city's planning commissioners unanimously approved his request to sell beer and wine at El Taco Loco near the intersection of East Lake Mead Boulevard and Belmont Street, Ramirez is likely to welcome patrons for sit-down meals in less than two months.

The new restaurant, which will seat about 152 people, will fill a vacuum in the city's downtown area.

Kenny Young, the city's redevelopment manager, said no family-style restaurants exist in that part of town.

"Staff feels that the area would benefit from this type of business," he wrote in a memo supporting Ramirez's application.

Several commissioners agreed.

"If the redevelopment of downtown is our goal, we should be encouraging this type of use," said Commissioner Scott Albright, adding that he also didn't have a problem with allowing Ramirez to offer dancing and entertainment on weekends.

But city law doesn't allow dancing in restaurants that sell beer and wine. To add a dance floor, Ramirez would have to apply for a different permit, Mary Aldava, an associate planner with the city, said.

Ramirez didn't mind giving up the dance floor and a proposed stage for entertainment. He will be able to hire a Mariachi band during the week to serenade patrons.

The city's redevelopment agency still has to approve the project. The agency, made up of City Council members, oversees the area of the proposed restaurant.

Approval is likely, since Young and his colleagues support the restaurant.

The vote could come as early as the Sept. 5 council meeting.