Bar shut down under new co-mingling law

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - Responding to reports of underage drinking, a Buffalo Police lieutenant went to the Social Bar and Nightclub early Monday morning, and discovered young people, under 21, who were not supposed to be there.

"D" District Police Chief Brian Patterson said, "And upon her arrival, did indeed find there was violations and patrons were in the nightclub under the age of 21. With that authority and that violation, we did shut the nightclub down."

While no arrests were made, police shut the Social Bar down for a day. It can re-open on Tuesday. Bar owners say this was a private party.

Mayor Byron Brown calls this crackdown part of the enforcement effort of the city's new adults-only zone within the downtown Entertainment District. Co-mingling of the under 21 crowd is only allowed in night spots such as the Social on Thursday nights and is on the books for six months.

"To also work with the business community, the bars and nightclubs, to make sure that that ordinance in the central business district is working the way it should be," said Mayor Brown.

The owners now get their day in court in front of a city hearing officer.

Tim Ball of the Buffalo Corporation Counsel said, "Administrative hearing officer would make a recommendation to the commissioner of permits and inspections, who would then ultimately decide whether or not revocation of any city permits or licenses the business has should be revoked."

If the new law doesn't work to keep the entertainment district safe, Mayor Brown said, "And we are not improving the overall health and safety of the central business district, then we would push for there to be no co-mingling on any night and eliminate the Thursday night exception."

State Liquor authorities have been notified of the violations. The new city law is being evaluated for six months, but Mayor Brown said the aim of city officials is not to put any of these establishments out of business, just to keep downtown safe.