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December 11, 2020

Hamden biz’s liquor permit suspended over crowd

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By Michelle Tuccitto Sullo

The state’s Department of Consumer Protection has suspended Studio 1537’s liquor permit for allegedly violating Gov. Ned Lamont’s rules for capacity during the coronavirus pandemic.

According to Commissioner Michelle H. Seagull, the business, which is at 1537 Dixwell Ave. in Hamden, hosted a large private gathering on Dec. 4.

The Hamden Police Department responded to the business after receiving a complaint about the number of people there.

In a letter to John Suchy, director of the DCP’s Liquor Control Division, Hamden Deputy Chief of Police Bo Kicak reported that police found a crowded dance floor with about 150 people, with over half not wearing masks at all, and one-fourth wearing them around their chins. Police also allegedly saw about 30 patrons in the business’ bar area in violation of social distancing requirements.

The rules limit private gatherings at commercial venues to 25 people, with businesses required to ensure that patrons wear masks if they aren’t eating.

Seagull noted that COVID-19 infection rates are on the rise, and gatherings such as this have the potential to become a “super spreader event.”

“We expect our liquor permittees to hold public health and safety as their highest priority in order to protect themselves, their employees, their customers and their community,” Seagull said.

Lamont reported on Wednesday that the state’s daily test positivity rate was at 7.56%, and on Thursday, it was at 6.63%.

Police indicated that they questioned the permittee, Evanisha Kidd, who indicated it was a private party, and those in attendance had masks on when they arrived. Police said Kidd asserted she couldn’t control who wears them once they are inside.

The Secretary of the State’s office shows the business’ principals as Evanisha and Evaton Kidd of New Haven. They did not respond to a request for comment following the suspension. 

Based on police’s findings, the Quinnipiac Valley Health District ordered the business to cease and desist all operations immediately and closed the premises in an order dated Dec. 7.

Contact Michelle Tuccitto Sullo at msullo@newhavenbiz.com.

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