Agreement reached for closure of nuisance bar
Clifton Heights has reached an agreement with owners to close a nuisance bar on Baltimore Avenue that has been the scene of shooting and complaints from nearby residents.
Council President Mike Humphreys announced that the borough reached a consent agreement with the owners of The Rose Bar at Baltimore Avenue and Diamond Street, to address ongoing safety concerns in the community.
Recent incidents include reported and confirmed gunfire outside the establishment, as well as incidents of public drunkenness, and excessive noise and lewd behavior, among other issues.
In November, two groups of patrons were in the bar and were asked to leave due to a confrontation. The confrontation continued on the street when shots were fired.
In February the borough filed legal action through Solicitor John McBlain to close the bar.
Under the consent agreement, which was approved by Judge Kelly Eckel of the Delaware County Court of Common Pleas, The Rose Bar will be closed and cease all operations for three months effective March 10.
The agreement states that if the establishment reopens in the future, it will be required to close each night at midnight for a period of nine months, according to a news release from the borough.
In addition, the establishment would be required to put in place additional security measures, including certification of its security under state police standards.
Efforts to reach out to the bar owners were not returned.
Pennsylvania Liquor Control records indicate the establishment is owned by the Heng Sisters LLC.
The manager is listed as Shemmay Heng. They were cited by liquor control troopers twice in the past four years, including a 2019 case in which they served a minor and were fined $1,400. The liquor license is active. It was renewed in August 2022 and expires in November 2023.
“As an elected official, I believe we have a duty and responsibility to protect the safety of our residents and the larger community by ensuring that all establishments conduct their operations in a safe manner in accordance with applicable laws and regulations,” Humphreys said in the press release. “This remedial action underscores that we will fully enforce and hold business operators accountable to ensure public safety. It is my hope that these steps will ultimately help to address the ongoing problems associated with the establishment, however borough officials and our police department will continue to carefully monitor the situation once the bar reopens for business.”
“This is a positive outcome for the community of Clifton Heights,” said Mayor Mark Campbell, who thanked Humphreys for his leadership. “Rest assured, we will continue to closely monitor the situation and the conduct of the establishment’s patrons.”