Club DB Lounge is heading to the Planning Commission again in an attempt to rehire go-go dancers, claiming their removal last year led to a decline in business. Club DB, located at 8206 Firestone Blvd., is also looking to expand into an empty retail space next door, where it would add a bar, a new dance floor and an outdoor patio facing Firestone Boulevard.

City officials are not in favor of the expansion and neither is the Downey Police Department, which claims the nightclub has been the scene of "several" incidents, including a strong-armed robbery and an assault that left a victim hospitalized.

The Planning Commission will take up the requests Wednesday.

Planning commissioners granted business owner Hayk Gevorkyan a conditional use permit last year that established guidelines for the club's dance floor, DJ, live music and karaoke. However, it forbid the nightclub from hiring go-go dancers, which Gevorkyan had been utilizing without proper permits.

Removing the go-go dancers led to a subsequent drop in revenue and "are essential for the business to succeed," Gevorkyan said, according to a staff report.

In addition, Gevorkyan wants to expand his business into the 2,800 sq. ft. retail space next door to accommodate an additional bar and dance floor, along with patio seating facing Firestone Boulevard.

"Club DB patrons will have multiple places to dance, different types of music to enjoy, and different areas of the building to explore," according to the proposal.

The club's final request is to remove four billiard tables from the mezzanine to reduce its parking requirements.

The Planning Commission will discuss the issue at its regular meeting Wednesday.

Meanwhile, The Wet Bar, at 8832 Imperial Hwy., has expansion plans of its own.

After celebrating its grand opening last week, The Wet Bar is seeking to add 1,295 square feet by leasing the empty retail space next door. If approved, the added space would help expand the bar area and make room for additional customers.

According to floor plans, the expansion would include a bar counter with stools, a walk-in cooler, an employee locker room, a wine storage area, and restrooms.

City planners recommended the expansion's approval, noting it has "reviewed the request and does not have any issues with the operation of the business."