Propelling the city one step ahead in its campaign to stamp out neighborhood “problem” bars, the state has denied the Taurus Caf√© renewal of its liquor license.
In a decision Thursday, the state Liquor Control Commission ruled the Newhallville bar will no longer be able to serve alcohol starting June 21 because of alleged misdeeds by its owner, Larry Livingston (pictured below at left).
“Larry Livingston is financially irresponsible and disqualified as an applicant to obtain a renewal liquor permit,” wrote hearing officer Elisa A. Nahas—Click here to read her decision.
In a press conference Thursday, City Hall trumpeted the ruling as a victory for the neighborhood, but cautioned the fight was not over.
“The community fought hard to eliminate this nexus of crime and they should be very proud of how they’ve influenced today’s decision,” said Mayor John DeStefano, Jr. “Even if the owners of the Taurus try to come back and regain a liquor license, we’ll continue to fight them.”
DeStefano (pictured) said he thought Livingston would likely try to transfer the bar to another person’s name, then reapply for a liquor license.
The “remonstrance” against the Taurus was prompted by a petition of about 50 Newhallville neighbors who, citing noise, drug dealing, gun violence and quality of life issues like public urination, sought to see the bar shut down. (Click here for a story with neighbors’ point of view; and click here for background on the case). The matter was fought out over 10 long hearings in Hartford, in which police officers, neighbors and a squadron of City Hall staff gave testimony on both sides.
Livingston, reached Thursday, declined comment as to whether the club intended to try for a new license. He deferred questions to his attorney, David Avigdor.
“We’re very disappointed in the outcome” of the hearings, said Avigdor (pictured). But he found a silver lining: While the city’s case had focused on the Taurus as a “hotspot” for crime, Nahas’ ruling mentioned nothing along those lines.
The state’s case was based instead on Livingston’s alleged ducking of labor and tax laws.
In her decision, Nahas said Livingston admitted to: not paying any state or federal taxes, not filling out W‑2 forms for his employees, and not paying the employer’s share of Social Security payments. “It is clear that Mr. Livingston operates his business in a questionable manner with regard to state and federal labor and/or taxation laws,” Nahas wrote.
Newhallville Alderwomen Katrina Jones and Alfreda Edwards commended the ruling as a neighborhood victory. “I’m really happy; a lot of work has been put into this,” said Edwards, who, at a time of rumored threats, took the risk of testifying herself against the Taurus and recruiting neighbors to do so. She credited the Newhallville Management Team with standing together on the issue.
The two spoke at a press conference across from the Taurus Thursday afternoon, right outside the sparkling new Habitat for Humanity home, still vacant after its owner, who was threatened after voicing opposition to the Taurus, fled to a different part of town. Habitat has since suspended plans for new construction in that immediate area. but the city said its moving ahead with other plans to revitalize Newhallville with owner-occupied homes.
Across the street from the Taurus Thursday, Renyatta Moore (pictured) argued the opposite — that the bar adds to neighborhood quality of life. Before she took a pregnancy leave, the young woman used to work behind the bar.
“Everybody loves the bar,” said Moore, who hopes to return to her post after she has her baby. When the club shut down briefly in recent weeks as Livingston went on vacation, the neighborhood was noticeably dead, she said: “Nobody had anything to do.”
Closing the Taurus, Newhallville’s only bar, would be “a big deal,” said Moore. “Every member of my family has been going there for years.”
For stories related to the Taurus Café, please see:
• Habitat Suspends Plans Near Taurus
• City: Threats Intimidate Would-be Taurus Witnesses
<i>"...the neighborhood was noticeably dead, she said: "Nobody had anything to do.""</i>
And this is a bad thing??
CONGRATE"S!!!!!!!!!!!! To all that fought for this!!
One question... was Johnny ever a part of this fight?? I don't recall him being involved before this victory?? What if they lost would he have been standing there in support of the area to forge ahead with the fight??
When elections are over and if he wins will he still be as "involved" as he is appearing to be right now??
Well any who.... Maybe the other areas with simalar bars can use this case to help there problems.