Emergency liquor license suspension issued for Seattle's V-Bar

October 8, 2010

OLYMPIA –The Washington State Liquor Control Board (WSLCB) today issued an emergency liquor license suspension up to 180 days for V- Bar Noodle Bar and Lounge, located at 2122 Second Ave. in Seattle’s Belltown neighborhood. The suspension is effective at 4 p.m. Oct. 8, 2010.

The emergency suspension is the result of an investigation by the WSLCB following incidents of violence within V-Bar and the licensee obstructing a law enforcement investigation.

The WSLCB is authorized by state law to issue an emergency suspension of up to 180 days of a liquor license when it believes the “health, safety or welfare” of the general public is in danger. During the suspension period, the WSLCB will take action to revoke the V-Bar’s liquor license permanently.

Public safety violation history
WSLCB enforcement officers look at the past two years of an establishment’s violation history when determining a recommended penalty for a violation. The following is V-Bar’s violation history since receiving its license July 30, 2009.

Violation on Sept. 9, 2010:

  • Engaging in or allowing conduct that presents a threat to public safety
  • Obstructing a law enforcement officer
  • Making a false or misleading statement to a public servant

The Sept. 9 violation is aggravated for:

  • Failing to call 911 for local law enforcement or medical assistance when requested by a customer, a WSLCB officer, or when people have sustained injuries.
  • Failing to cooperate with local law enforcement.
  • Employee not properly trained or Mandatory Alcohol Server Training (MAST) certified after 60 days of employment.

Violation on March 17, 2010:

  • Violation for disorderly conduct after the owner discharged a gun outside her establishment. The owner paid a $300 fine following a compromise settlement with the WSLCB.

Emergency suspensions represent an extraordinary exercise of the state’s power and the WSLCB is mandated to ensure that an emergency suspension is reasonable, justifiable, and legal in every way.

Emergency suspension details available on website 
Additional resources for viewing are available on the WSLCB website at lcb.wa.gov, including: the official complaint, the emergency order of suspension, the internal recommendation for license cancellation and the Sept. 9 Administrative Violation Notice.


 


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