Norfolk restaurant again blocked from selling alcohol
Commission denies Legacy seven months after shooting
Seven months after a quadruple shooting outside a downtown Norfolk nightclub, the city’s Planning Commission denied recommending a conditional use permit that would allow the sale of alcohol to resume at Legacy Restaurant & Lounge.
Planning manager Susan Pollock-Hart said the layout of the restaurant remained virtually the same, and as proposed, staff did not recommend the permit. Main concerns included a lack of change from its previous setup, and because there was not a request for entertainment, there is no requirement for security.
“Staff is concerned that the company has not fully addressed prior issues or significantly modified the operational aspects of the establishment to warrant approval of the conditional use permit at this time,” she said. “We do understand that the applicant is working with the Downtown Norfolk Council to be a part of the Safe Night program, and that’s a program that the goal is to make all establishments in downtown be safer. However, that program is not in place yet.”
Legacy reopened Feb. 10 after having its permit revoked in the aftermath of the quadruple shooting in August — just weeks after the club opened — that left a uniformed sheriff ’s deputy injured. The city issued Legacy a zoning certificate Jan. 17 that allows it to operate as a restaurant with no alcohol sales, no entertainment and without being able to open late.
Warren Salvodon, one of the owners, said changes have been made to how Legacy functions since the shooting, including additional training for staff and managers and regular reviews of operations.
“There was no violation so it wasn’t alcohol related,” Salvodon said. “It was the fact that, I think, (the suspect’s) pride was hurt that he got tossed out of a venue, and he retaliated in the way he did, which was not something I thought we would be responsible for.
“Now, we realize that the city holds us responsible, so as men, we hold ourselves accountable for the incident that did happen, even though there were things that we did in the process to get help.”
Salvodon said alcohol sales would help keep the business afloat, especially since the restaurant was closed for about five months after the shooting. He added that being able to offer alcoholic beverages would allow the restaurant to serve guests that may be downtown for just a drink or two.
Salvodon said being included in the Safe Night program is a testament to the business’ willingness to provide a safe, responsible and enjoyable environment. The program helps implement a relationship-based policing model that prioritizes prevention of crime and other challenges to a healthy nightlife culture — instead of being reactive.
The commission’s vote was 5-2 against the restaurant. Opponents said they felt that there should be more time before allowing alcohol at Legacy, andconcerns that security is not a specific requirement remain. Proponents said that because of the work that the owners have put in, a second chance is warranted.
The City Council will have the final say on the permit at a future meeting.