During the Planning Commission Meeting on July 3, 2025, in Lake Forest, California, a significant discussion centered around a proposed use permit for an outdoor hookah lounge at the existing restaurant, Oliva. This proposal involves utilizing a 300 square foot patio, which would accommodate 12 seats for patrons to smoke hookah, a practice defined by the city as smoking tobacco from a water-filled pipe.

The patio, which previously served as a landscape planter installed without permits, is located within the Forest Plaza Center, a commercial area that includes various businesses such as a bakery and a spa. The restaurant seeks to extend its alcohol service to the patio if the permit is approved, allowing hookah smoking alongside food and beverages from 5 PM to midnight daily.

The proposal aligns with the city’s general plan and zoning regulations, as hookah lounges have been required to obtain use permits since 2012. Currently, there are three hookah lounges operating in Lake Forest. California law permits outdoor smoking for individuals aged 21 and older, even in establishments serving food and alcohol, which supports the restaurant's request.

Concerns were raised by the owner of the adjacent Veil Spa, who expressed worries about smoke potentially affecting their clientele. However, city staff noted that there have been no complaints regarding hookah lounges in the area over the past six months, and the Orange County Fire Authority has recommended safety conditions for handling hookah equipment.

The Planning Commission is expected to deliberate on the proposal, weighing the potential economic benefits against community health concerns. The outcome of this discussion could set a precedent for future applications related to similar establishments in Lake Forest.