Hartford bar The White Rabbit Downtown has liquor permit suspended following investigation
Amid an investigation into bars and nightclubs in Hartford, one place has now had its liquor permit suspended, and it’s just steps from where a West Hartford teen was shot and killed last month.
On Friday, the state announced the enforcement against The White Rabbit Downtown following a series of reported problems.
The Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) said the suspension follows at least 20 noise complaints, two breach-of-the-peace reports, and an alleged domestic violence case involving someone claiming to be the owner of the place.
DCP found the restaurant and bar “imperils public health and safety and demonstrates contempt for local rules.” DCP also stated that, despite having a restaurant liquor permit, The White Rabbit Downtown doesn’t appear to serve food anymore to be considered a restaurant.
It’s across the street from PeoplesBank Arena and near other restaurants and bars.
“I’ve never had a problem down here. I know there’s definitely there’s bad and good everywhere you go, but I’ve had no problems,” said Jake Morello of Suffield.
This comes just about a week after the mayor announced investigators were looking into bars and nightclubs in the downtown area. That investigation follows last month’s deadly shooting of a West Hartford teen near two other bars, which are right next to The White Rabbit Downtown.
DCP said The White Rabbit Downtown also violated an order from Hartford police to hire two officers while open on Thursday.
Many are still hopeful for this area.
“There’s just been a lot of unfortunate issues that have happened. But I know that we’re going to plan on growing from it and like move forward and grow as a community,” said Zaire Griffin of Windsor.
The temporary liquor permit was suspended until Tuesday, which was already when it was set to expire.
NBC Connecticut has reached out to The White Rabbit Downtown for comment, but has not yet heard back.
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