HAMDEN, Conn. — A local lounge that was initially cited for violating COVID-19 restrictions, has now received a summary suspension of its liquor license.
According to a release, the state Department of Consumer Protection’s (DCP) Liquor Control Division referred the suspension to Hamden Police Wednesday.
That referral comes after an incident on November 1, when officers responded to the Dixwell Social Lounge on Dixwell Avenue for reports of a "large fight."
When officers arrived on the scene, they could not get into the parking lot due to the number of parked vehicles. Officers say they saw about 500 people at the lounge. The investigating officer said he did not see anyone wearing a mask and no one was social distancing.
It took five police officers about 30 minutes to clear the parking lot, officials said. The people involved in the fight were not found.
“It was apparent that the owners of this establishment were not enforcing the COVID-19 safety guidelines at all,” Hamden Deputy Chief Kicak wrote in a letter. In his request for assistance, he wrote: “If the Dixwell Social Lounge continues operation, it will continue to pose an absolute threat to public safety as well as being a constant drain on police resources.”
Governor Lamont's office released the following statement following the summary suspension of the liquor permit:
“The Lamont administration applauds the work of local authorities in Hamden to enforce the sector rules that are designed to protect public health and prevent the spread of COVID-19. We continue to see local officials standing up across the state to look out for the health and well-being of their residents, and that sends a clear signal that they are taking the virus seriously. Reckless and irresponsible gatherings of hundreds of people pose a high risk of becoming ‘super-spreader’ events, and the actions of these individuals could very well lead to outbreaks not just in Connecticut, but throughout the Northeast. Governor Lamont’s announcement of the shift to Phase 2.1 is meant to cut down on these kinds of events to ensure our healthcare institutions like hospitals and nursing homes are able to care for our loved ones, to keep restaurant and entertainment venues open, and to keep as many of our schools open as possible so that as many students as possible can receive in-person instruction. This action in Hamden affirms Governor Lamont’s approach.”
The Quinnipiack Valley Health District (QVHD) was called by police to report the public health violations.
The Dixwell Social club was cited for four violations:
- Failing to ensure that customers are wearing masks, except when dining.
- Failing to ensure customers remain 6’ apart from each other.
- Permitting a large gathering inside the establishment.
- Permitting a public health nuisance on your property.
The QVHD issued a cease and desist order on November 4 to the lounge. The business has been closed indefinitely.
See the suspension placard here.
See the summary suspension order here.
