In the heart of Sacramento, the Torch Club has been a mainstay of the live music scene for decades, but it now finds itself battling city code enforcement. Owner Marina Texeira shared that she’s contending with multiple fines, mainly due to a lapse in security-related paperwork tied to the club’s entertainment permit. No one wants to think about the possibility of losing such a beloved venue, but that’s the reality Teixeira is facing.
City officials have expressed their commitment to safety, but the pressure on small business owners is palpable. Teixeira understands the importance of compliance but is understandably frustrated over the mounting fines that threaten the club’s future. With live music nearly every day, the concern is that fines could be piled on every time a band takes the stage.
Luckily, there may be a light at the end of the tunnel. Sacramento City Councilmember Phil Pluckebaum is coordinating a meeting between city staff and the Torch Club owners to discuss the situation. The upcoming dialogue could be the key to keeping the melodies flowing instead of a cash register sound taking center stage. After all, in a town where music is the lifeblood, we just can’t let the good times stop rolling!
About the Author
Andrew Johnson
Andrew Johnson is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.
