The Napa Planning Commission has approved new use permits for two Marquee Pinball locations in downtown Napa, allowing for expanded operating hours and alcohol sales. The decision, made on Thursday, 21 August, applies to the Marquee Pinball Lounge at 1311 First St. and the Marquee Pinball Arcade at 1030 Clinton St.

Under the new permit, the Marquee Pinball Lounge on First Street, which is for people aged 21 and older, may stay open until 2 a.m. and serve both wine and beer. Owners Tim Cutting and Kim Vialpando indicated in their application that the lounge would typically close earlier. The project description stated:

“The lounge is intended to provide a comfortable and upscale atmosphere centered around entertainment, conversation, and community interaction rather than nightclub-style operations”

The Marquee Pinball Arcade on Clinton Street, an all-ages location, is authorised to stay open until 11 p.m. and sell beer.

Zoning reclassification

Napa planning manager Ryder Dilley stated that city staff originally classified the two businesses as retail because they sell arcade games. However, the city requested a use permit after confirming the primary activity at the sites is arcade play. Under downtown area zoning, arcade play is a commercial entertainment category that requires a permit.

Dilley noted that the permit provides authorization as a video arcade, beer and wine service for one location, and appropriate operating hours. He said the goal was to ensure zoning accurately reflects how the businesses operate and to provide a framework that supports their ability to offer a complete arcade experience long-term.