A new billiards hall will open in Daly City, where a Dollar Tree store once stood, giving residents a place to hang out after midnight.
Council on Monday unanimously approved business owner George Khanouf and his son’s plans to open a billiards hall at 6232 Mission Street, with hours extending until 1 a.m.
Khanouf told council that he wants to give Daly City residents a place to go for entertainment after midnight without having to travel to San Francisco.
“We like to play pool. It’s a good game,” Khanouf said. “When you’re playing pool, you really forget all your problems. You’re focusing on the balls only. It’s a great sport but in Daly City there is no high end pool place that accommodates all ages.”
The pool hall would be open to people under the age of 18, but they would need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian. The hall would remain open until 1 a.m., but those under 18 would be allowed to stay only until 10 p.m., according to plans.
The billiards hall would have 21 pool tables, two snooker tables, an air hockey table and a foosball table, according to plans. There would also be a lounge area with TVs. Khanouf plans to sell only packaged snacks and bottled beer.
A security guard will be on duty checking ID’s between 6 p.m. and closing.
Khanouf hopes to open the billiards hall before the city’s Top of the Hill Festival on Oct. 17.
Mayor Glenn Sylvester raised concerns about “shoulder tapping,” a strategy that minors use to ask adults to purchase alcoholic drinks for them. He suggested giving guests wristbands to help prevent minors from drinking.
The pool hall would have only four parking spaces, meaning many guests would have to park on the street.
Councilwoman Juslyn Manalo suggested that Khanouf partner with a food truck to provide food for guests, since the facility does not have a kitchen area. People will be hungry, and there aren’t many places open after midnight, she said.
Khanouf said the pool hall will give residents the chance to watch professional pool players
“We want to be more than just a business in Daly City,” Khanouf said. “We want to be part of the community. We want to create a place for families to come together, where players can enjoy the sport and spend time while feeling safe.”
This would be the second billiards hall in Daly City. Town and County Billiards, an all-ages pool hall, closes at midnight.