Supervisor says VFWs and similar organizations shouldn’t need entertainment license

A proposed change to a county ordinance regarding entertainment and public dance licenses has some nonprofit military organizations — including the Ramona VFW — hopeful about the future of their ability to serve area veterans.

San Diego County Supervisor Joel Anderson on Oct. 22 proposed an amendment to an ordinance that would exempt fraternal order and veteran organizations from having to obtain entertainment and public dance licenses in unincorporated areas of the county.

His proposal was unanimously backed by the other board members for the first vote. The final vote will take place at the board’s Dec. 10 meeting.

Organizations listed in the ordinance include tax-exempt fraternal societies, orders and associations, domestic fraternal societies, and organizations including past or present members of the armed forces. The organizations include groups such as the Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion and Lions Clubs, which often support their programs with events that include entertainment or dancing. 

Anderson, who oversees District 2, which includes Ramona, said the the military groups serve the families of deployed service members, host adopt-a-veteran programs, provide freedom grants to serve veterans and military members in need and provide student scholarships and student drug awareness program.

“It only makes sense that the veterans get full use of the veterans’ hall benefits, because they put their lives on the line for our liberty,” he said.

Karen Welch, commander of VFW Post 3783 in Ramona was pleased with the proposed change.

“It’s been the best news I’ve had in weeks,” Welch said.

The Ramona post received a cease-and-desist letter in early 2024 for not having a proper entertainment license, the Ramona Sentinel reported on July 31. It was part of a trend of complaints that mostly focused on Ramona wineries that hosted amplified music.

The VFW had a couple of small bands and solo artists perform for holidays, such as Memorial Day and July 4 prior to the complaint. They also host a popular karaoke night on the first and third Fridays of the month.

In order for the VFW to receive their entertainment license, they first had to update their liquor license, or Alcoholic Beverage Control license, which is necessary for them to sell alcoholic beverages, Welch said.

Although the local post has had a liquor license for years, the ABC license was changed to reflect the karaoke, DJ and some live music they have recently offered.

Not all fraternal and veteran military organizations have entertainment licenses. For those that do, the licenses generally include a $348 annual entertainment fee, a $124 annual manager fee and a $249 annual renewal for public dance.

Welch said Anderson “really took our issue to heart.” noting that the supervisor “jumped on it.” 

His staff asked the VFW and other similar organizations to write letters to his office, stating their support for the proposed ordinance change, Welch said.

“I’m sure he was flooded with letters. He’s heard from a lot of non profits like us,” she said.

VFW chapter members are typically active, honorably discharged officers and enlisted persons who have served in a foreign war. Posts serve as community hubs where veterans can access crucial resources, find mental health support, job training and social services, while honoring their service while helping them reintegrate into civilian life.

Welch also had high praise for the local community, noting there has been a large amount of support for their organization.

“We give a lot back to our community — it’s what we do. And they have supported us in this,” she said about the post’s events such as weekly dinners and breakfasts, food drives, family picnics and scholarships.

While awaiting the second vote for the proposed change, the VFW and similar organizations must still maintain their liquor license. The Ramona post is waiting for their modified liquor license to be approved. 

“I’m hopeful and it sounds very positive, and we will know after December,” Welch said. 

Ramona VFW Post 3783 is at 2247 Kelly Ave. For information, call 760-789-7888 or visit their Facebook page.