New Haven Register (New Haven, CT)
Clubhouse Cafe cancels liquor permit in settlement
HAMDEN — The liquor permit for the Clubhouse Cafe, a Hamden establishment caught twice in recent months with scores of underage patrons drinking on scene, was canceled this week as part of a settlement, according to the state Department of Consumer Protection.
The bar was shuttered in late January after more than 130 underage individuals were found drinking there, according to police and DCP. In April 2018, approximately 100 patrons of the cafe were found to be underage.
“Following the suspension, the Liquor Control Division initiated a follow up investigation into the business operations of the café. Many of the minors were found to be students at Quinnipiac University, a local college near the premises,” DCP officials said in a release.
As part of the settlement agreement, the ownership of the Clubhouse Cafe agreed not to apply for a liquor permit in Connecticut for one year, never to manage or work at the Clubhouse Cafe if another liquor permit is ever sought for the location, and that liquor will be barred from the site while it is owned by Anthony Dandonoli.
“I want to thank Acting Chief John Cappiello and the men and women of the Hamden Police Department for their efforts and cooperation in this matter,” said Consumer Protection Commissioner Michelle H. Seagull in the release. “We take the presence of underage patrons on liquor premises very seriously, and I am pleased that this matter has been settled.”