Two hours and 15 minutes into Community Board 3’s SLA Committee hearing, the panel deadlocked on the first of 16 liquor license applications under consideration tonight. In a replay of a very familiar debate, both supporters and opponents spoke out about a (somewhat) revised proposal by LES restauranteur Phil Hartman and music promoter Todd P. for 34 Avenue A. Committee members could not agree whether to support the plan for a combo restaurant/bar/performance space. So the full board will be called on to decide later this month.
Also, a few minutes ago, the committee voted to deny the renewal of Culturefix’s wine/beer license. The bar/art gallery/performance space at 9 Clinton is facing legal troubles and State Liquor Authority violations for alleged underage drinking. Committee Chair Alex Militano argued that Culturefix is operating contrary to its initial proposal, presented to the community board last year. It’s pretty clear the owners felt they didn’t get a fair hearing this evening (we may have more on this tomorrow).
More to come…
