The Grand Café in New Haven lost its liquor permit this week, following complaints about the business from residents about alleged fights and drug activity.
The state Liquor Control Commission on Thursday announced its decision that it would not renew the liquor permit for the business, which is at the corner of Grand Avenue and East Pearl Street in the Fair Haven neighborhood. The written decision came following a public hearing on Nov. 4 and Dec. 16.
The commission hosted the hearing after it received a petition filed by a group of city residents objecting to the permit being renewed. In its written decision, the commission indicated it found “substantial evidence” to deny the renewal.
Michelle H. Seagull, commissioner of the state Department of Consumer Protection, thanked the community members and city officials who participated in the process.
“The Liquor Control Commission takes these decisions very seriously and I appreciate their thoughtful deliberation,” Seagull said.
Liquor Control Special Agent William Boucher told the commission that petitioners primarily raised concerns about alleged drug activity, fights, public disturbances and the need for police calls to the business.
New Haven police Lt. Michael Fumiatti testified at the hearing that city police have received numerous complaints about the business over the years. He told commissioners there have been drug violations, assaults and fights in the parking lot, and drugs were found in the Grand Café in 2017. In September 2021, there was a shooting that resulted in an arrest for assault with a firearm, according to Fumiatti.
Jose Rivera, a co-owner of the business since 2008, said the establishment is in a strip mall with other businesses, including a smoke shop and Chinese restaurant. Rivera said he helped his employees when the business had to shut down due to COVID-19, and said he has always paid his rent and taxes.
Rivera said the business has taken measures to prevent problems, such as checking patrons’ identifications and wanding them for weapons. He said the landlord has installed cameras, and there are “no loitering” signs in the parking lot.
Rivera asserted his belief that problems in the area have been due to people outside in the parking lot, rather than his customers.
However, the commission noted that there has been illegal activity inside the Grand Café’s premises too, not just outside.
The business has avenues to try to obtain a liquor permit, including asking the commission to reconsider its decision or appealing its ruling to the state Superior Court.
Contact Michelle Tuccitto Sullo at msullo@newhavenbiz.com.
