Rocked Hard

After three years in operation, Margarita Rocks in Oceanside closed its doors on August 31. "The place was definitely mismanaged," says Kathy Baker, redevelopment manager for the City of Oceanside. Before the closure, she says the police were preparing to ask the city council for a 90-day suspension of the bar's dance permit; problems had generated 43 crime reports, 20 arrests, and 142 calls for police assistance.

"The place was off the chart," says Oceanside police lieutenant Tom Jones.

Club owners took the unusual step of surrendering their full liquor license to the state Alcohol Beverage Control Board. It was relinquished under the department's Rule 42, which means it becomes inactive and is held by the ABC for up to one year while the owners either sell, transfer, or reactivate it at a new location (with the ABC's approval). A liquor license of this type is estimated to be worth $60,000 to $70,000.

A call to the proprietors (who own the Margarita Rocks in Pacific Beach) was not returned. The Oceanside Margarita Rocks was known for its Wednesday-night dance event promoted by radio station Channel 9-3-3. The club brought in 500 to 600 people who paid $10 (over 21) or $15 (under 21) to get in.