Save Midnight Hookah

The Town Council has been adamant that their BYOB ordinance  is not intended for and will not result in the closure of any business. How can this be when the we have so many letters, including one from the owner Hassam Abudawood declaring that this will close his business. It is possible that you, like the Town Council, may also be confused by how a 1 AM curfew on alcohol consumption would be so devastating to a business that doesn't make its money from alcohol. To understand this, it is vital to understand the actual nature of this business. Knowing little about this culture or business, I spent twelve hours at Midnight Hookah over two nights, from 10 PM to 4 AM on consecutive evenings. Below is a summary of the business model from a combination of direct observations and conversations with staff and patrons. Midnight Hookah's hours are posted at 6 PM to 2 AM Sunday through Thursday and 6 PM to 4 AM on Friday and Saturday. However, nearly all of their business oc...

Many people are not concerned about this ordinance because they are only thinking of a particular type of business: like a restaurant that allows you to bring wine in. But this ordinance affects much, much more than just restaurants. Who does it apply to: any business facility, such as a dance hall, club, restaurant, lounge, meeting room or association , not licensed by the State of Connecticut Liquor Control Division "Dance hall, club, restaurant, lounge" is what one would expect this apply to. A restaurant that lets you bring in wine. An after hours lounge. Etc. But then we have "meeting room or association." These terms are so broad that they expand the reach of this ordinance is almost any space that is not residential or licensed for alcohol distribution. And what happens if you violate any portion of this? Any person violating any provision of this section shall be subject to a fine of $250.00.  What does that mean in real life? First, it is imp...

The following notice was issued to all members of the Representative Town Meeting (RTM). Notice of Passage ADOPTION OF AN ORDINANCE TO ESTABLISH HOURS OF OPERATION FOR BOP ESTABLISHMENTS Ordinance #289 was adopted by the Groton Town Council on August 7, 2018. BE IT ORDAINED BY THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF GROTON: 1. Findings . In recognition of the growing practice of allowing patrons to bring alcoholic beverages to restaurants, clubs, meeting spaces, lounges and the like in the Town of Groton which establishments are not otherwise licensed by the State of Connecticut Liquor Control Division; the Town seeks to preserve and promote the health, safety, welfare, and quality of life of its residents by defining, clarifying and regulating this practice at such establishments. 2. Purpose . The purpose of this ordinance is to regulate the practice of allowing patrons to bring their own alcohol to commercial establishments within the Town. 3. Definitions . Alcoholic...