POLICE CHIEF TESTIFIES AT HEARING ON TROUBLESOME ESTABLISHMENT’S LIQUOR LICENSE RENEWAL

(5/17/2007) NEW HAVEN- Police Chief Francisco Ortiz testified at a hearing in Hartford today on the renewal of the liquor license for the Taurus Café, a bar with a track history of crime and violent activity. Ortiz expressed the need for locales throughout the city that experience frequent violence to improve their climates so that police can spend more time patrolling neighborhoods and responding to community needs.

“The Taurus Café drains on the New Haven Police Department requiring a police presence while they are open and particularly during closing time,” said Ortiz. “I’m disappointed that the establishment and its management have not made progress in reducing problems there.”

Ortiz, who was subpoenaed by the attorneys for the Taurus Café, has visited the establishment a number of times himself throughout his career because of its lack of compliance of its liquor license and permits.

“I would like to see venues in the city, that have traditionally been problematic, take an active role in protecting its customers and neighbors,” said John DeStefano, Jr., Mayor.

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Contact Name: Jessica Mayorga

Contact Email: jmayorga@newhavenct.net

Contact Phone: 203-946-7660