Lake Forest Planning Commission reviews hookah lounge permit at Caspian Mediterranean Kitchen

Lake Forest's Planning Commission is set to make a pivotal decision regarding a proposed hookah lounge at the Caspian Mediterranean Kitchen, following a recent meeting on May 8, 2025. The application seeks a use permit to operate a hookah lounge on an existing patio, which is part of a larger mixed-use development in the Foothill Ranch Town Center.

The proposed lounge would allow patrons to enjoy hookah alongside food and beverages, with service hours extending from 6 PM to 10:30 PM on select weekdays and until 11 PM on weekends. The restaurant currently holds a license to serve alcohol, which complements the proposed hookah service. The patio can accommodate up to 102 guests, while the restaurant itself has additional indoor seating for 132.

However, the proposal has sparked significant public concern. Out of 18 public comment letters received, 14 opposed the use permit, citing worries about secondhand smoke and noise from late-night music. This opposition is compounded by the restaurant's recent history of code enforcement issues, including multiple complaints about loud music and violations of its entertainment permit. The city has documented several incidents of non-compliance, raising questions about the establishment's ability to manage the proposed hookah service responsibly.

City staff presented two resolutions to the commission: one supporting the use permit and another recommending its denial due to the establishment's ongoing code violations. The latter resolution argues that allowing the hookah lounge could worsen existing issues and negatively impact the surrounding community.

As the Planning Commission deliberates, the outcome of this proposal could significantly affect local residents and the restaurant's operations. The commission is expected to weigh the potential benefits of the hookah lounge against the community's concerns and the establishment's compliance history before making a final decision.