The following is a case-by-case report on yesterday’s Liquor Board hearings on violations and license renewals.
1. The owner of Ko Hang Restaurant, Gregory Kamenetz, was charged with furnishing alcoholic beverages after hours, and with a noise violation. He was represented by his brother Evan.
Police Agent Eric Marten testified that he looked through a window at the establishment and saw what he believed to be green beer bottles on the tables. When the agent gained entrance, the bottles were gone. The manager of the restaurant, Samuel Park, said the bottles were of 7-UP.
Kamenetz was given a suspended fine of $100 for the noise violation, but was found not guilty for the other charge.
2. Questions were raised whether the individual on the liquor license for Wild Bill’s Saloon, William Eavers, was the owner, or a straw man for another bar owner. It is illegal to own more than one bar in
Baltimore.
Zoning Inspector William J Kolodner testified that a Alfred J. Bucevicius confronted him at Wild Bill’s and identified himself as the owner of the bar, as well as the building. Kolodner quoted Bucevicius as saying, “This is my business, I run it, and manage it.” Bucevicius owns Cameo Cafe, another bar, along with the building that houses Wild Bill’s.
Avers testified under oath that he was the owner, and was acquitted of the charges.
Several issues were not addressed at the hearing. In August 1989, Bucevicius transferred Wild Bill’s (then known as the Stumblin Inn) highly valued “BD7” liquor license to his Cameo Cafe, which had a lesser “D” license. Wild Bill’s now has a “D” license.
The home address Bucevicius listed on the paperwork was next door to the Cameo Cafe, Avers’ home address.
3. Club Bunns in the in the Lexington Market area was
cited for having too many people dancing. As the club manager had complied with the fire inspector and police, the charges were dismissed. The owner is currently in negotiations with University Center for the purchase of the building.
Nite Owl Liquors was found guilty for selling liquor to a 17 year- old minor. This Woodland Avenue fixture was given a $500 suspended fine.
Over a month ago, most regulations for the strip-club industry were thrown out, and all prostitution and fondling charges were being thrown out. In yesterday’s case against the adult club Mousetrap on Custom
House Avenue, they used a generic catch-all regulation (it forbids the breaking of any local, state, or federal law) and charged the club owner Louis Hershey with prostitution. He was found guilty and fined $600.
Jeremy Freedman, a former cook and security guard, and his girlfriend were approved for a liquor license transfer yesterday. They will be opening a restaurant on Sinclair Lane called Paradise Lounge. Raymond Louder, of the Frankfurt Improvement Association, expressed concerns that it would become an after-hours nightclub, his worries were seconded by Lt. John Bevilacqua of the Baltimore Police.
Residents surrounding Blackbirds Pub in Canton were protesting the Bar’s attempt to obtain a 7-day liquor license. Issues included trash, loud music, and motorcycles.