Gulf Shores, Ala. – (OBA) – The Gulf Shores Planning Commission will hear a request from the owners of Hibas Karaoke and Arcade Bar for a conditional use permit to allow for a lounge/bar usage at the bar in Pelican Place.

“On July 19, 2024, a new business license was submitted for Hibas,” a staff report on the agenda of the upcoming April 22 meeting states. “After review by city staff, it was determined the proposed business was a change of use from a cigar bar to a lounge/bar use. Lounge/bar uses require approval of a (conditional use permit) CUP.”

The commission will meet on April 22 in council chambers at city hall at 4 p.m. City staff will recommend the CUP be denied.

Hibas is the same space formerly occupied by Cohiba Dunes, a late-night gathering place that had its business license reviewed at the request of the police department.

“The reason for the review was for continued criminal activities and safety issues at Cohiba Dunes,” the memo states. “The city council renewed the license subject to written agreement by (Cohiba Dunes) to strict compliance with express conditions.”

In May of 2023, Deputy Police Chief Dan Netemeyer said the bar had come into compliance with the conditions set.

“They have been very responsive to us,” Netemeyer said at the time. “The officers have reported back to me that their security is in place, their security is working and they frequently turn away bad customers who aren’t in compliance with what they are asking.”

Cohiba returned in February of 2024 to renew the business license and CUP and was successful. But 12 days later, there were some early-morning arrests at the bar. Hibas Karaoke and Arcade are returning to request the CUP be approved.

During the meeting, the commission will also discuss:

• A request for a new two-million gallon 140-foot-tall water tower south of the new Gulf Shores High School building site. Staff will recommend approval with conditions.

• A request to subdivide two lots on Callaway Road into three separate lots at 2490 Callaway Road for the June Bug Oaks subdivision. Staff will recommend approval.