According to Robert Messner, assistant commissioner of the Police Civil Enforcement Unit, the restaurant’s proprieters have agreed to close the disco that was operating—without a cabaret license—in the basement of the restaurant.
   In the past, underage patrons were allowed into the basement area. Now admittance will be limited to those of drinking age.
   The disco was of particular concern to East Elmhurst residents, who came out in force to the 115th Precinct Community Council meeting last month to complain about the restauraunt, which sits prominently on the corner of 94th Street and 23rd Avenue.
   At the meeting, residents said that vandalized vehicles, drunken patrons urinating in their backyards and general rowdiness after closing time at the Gran Rancho was a growing problem.
   They also complained of violence. In July, a fight that broke out in front of the restaurant ended in gunfire.
   Under the terms of the new agreement, security will also be enhanced. According to the restuarant’s attorney, Terrence Flynn, proprietors have 30 days to hire two bonded security guards, who will be equipped with a metal detecting wand. A new identification verification machine will also be required and proprietors are being asked to keep patrons from congregating at the bar entrance.
   The court ruling is expected to be finalized by next Wednesday, and is viewed by both sides as an acceptable compromise.
   “We tried to craft a remedy with the approval of the court and with the lawyer from the place that will allow them to reopen and continue to have a business without the crimes that occurred in the past reoccurring,” Messner said.
   One of the owners of the restaurant, Carlos Domingos Tavarez, commented that the agreement is “good for the community.”
   Tavarez’s attorney said his clients expect the new meaures to be successful in curbing the problems of the past.
   “They’re satisfied that they will be able to operate their business and not have any difficulties.”