Corona del Mar Today: Beer and wine license delayed for Shake Shack

The Shake Shack's application to serve wine and beer has been delayed by 10 letters of protest, a state official has confirmed.

"It's going to be awhile," said Nora Amante, a licensing representative for the state's Alcoholic Beverage Control office in Santa Ana.

The Shake Shack applied for the license in May. Fourteen letters were sent to ABC officials protesting the license, 10 of which were validated, she said.

The letters generally expressed concerns for the dangers of intoxicated patrons leaving the parking lot and exiting onto East Coast Highway, she said. Amante is investigating the protests and eventually will write a report supporting or denying the license application.

If the license is supported, she said she would notify all the protesters, who would then have an opportunity to request a hearing. The process could take a month or two, she said.

In an email, Tad Belshe, executive vice president of Ruby's Diner Inc., said the Shake Shack's application was completed June 18, and he expected a decision would take another 60 to 90 days.

"We know that ABC does a very thorough job to ensure the granting of any license is the best decision for all involved and we are looking forward to what we hope will be a rather easy decision for approval," he wrote. "We are currently waiting for the preliminary information from ABC and are looking forward to the next steps. We understand that the process will take time, which is completely understandable. We are confident that the best decision will be made by all involved. In the meantime, we are enjoying the summer sun and continue to do what we do best, which is serve our guest the best burgers, shakes and fries."

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Rose Bakery wins OK

After a speedy staff presentation and a few public comments, the Newport Beach Planning Commission on Thursday evening unanimously voted to allow Rose Bakery Cafe to continue operating with the same conditions granted in December 2010.

"I was concerned, but it was great," said Dai Lim, who owns the popular Corona del Mar restaurant with her husband, Shawn Lim, after the hearing. "That was fast and easy."

The hearing was a review the commissioners required in 2010, when they agreed to allow the Lims to expand the outdoor seating area at the restaurant at 3536 E. Coast Hwy.

Several Rose employees attended the hearing in the Council Chambers.