Hollywood Dome Closure Sparks Outrage

A public hearing on Tuesday, May 12, offered a rare glimpse of activity surrounding the long-closed Cinerama Dome in Hollywood. The hearing addressed a conditional use permit for alcohol sales at the venue, which has been shuttered since March 2020 when Arclight Theaters ceased operations. Community advocates used the opportunity to voice deep frustration over the venue's prolonged closure.

Representatives for the Dome's ownership, Decurion, stated that the approval of the permit would aid future reopening efforts but provided no concrete timeline. They noted the planned 2025 opening of the Blue Note Jazz Club in the same complex as a positive step for the area. While acknowledging the COVID-19 pandemic as an initial reason for closure, speakers challenged this as the sole current justification.

Numerous speakers, including filmmakers and local residents, questioned the ownership's inaction. Many pointed out that other former Arclight venues have since reopened under new management, while the Cinerama Dome remains dormant despite reported acquisition offers. Concerns were raised about the possibility of the venue being left to decay, with some advocating for a community meeting to discuss concrete reopening plans.

The Zoning Administrator clarified that granting a liquor license in perpetuity is a city standard, with stipulations for inactivity. He also noted that the official license grant rests with the Alcoholic Beverage Control of Los Angeles, which has its own policies regarding conditional timelines. The ownership representative committed to conveying the community's request for an additional meeting to the owners, assuring that the venue's screens and iconic signage would be restored.