Cliffside Pismo Beach wedding venue ordered to close over safety concerns
A San Luis Obispo County judge barred the Ventana Grill wedding venue in Pismo Beach from operating after owners raised fears the cliffside site could collapse into the ocean.
The picturesque cliffside restaurant and wedding venue Ventana Grill in Pismo Beach will close on September 12 after a San Luis Obispo County Superior Court judge issued an order barring its use. The decision stems from a dispute between the property owners, listed as CCC, and The Old Custom House Inc., which operates the venue and other local businesses such as The Custom House and Mr. Rick’s. CCC alleges the venue poses a danger of sliding into the ocean, citing geotechnical reports of serious stability issues, while the venue’s owners contend the safety claim is a pretext to terminate their lease.
The court granted a preliminary injunction in late August, set to take effect on September 18, and a further hearing is slated for October 22. Couples with upcoming weddings are being assisted in finding alternative locations, and the closure marks the end of a venue that opened in 2010.
Why it matters
The closure affects local tourism, wedding planning and highlights legal battles over coastal property safety.
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