WALNUT CREEK – Business as usual has been placed on hold at the Redux Lounge in Walnut Creek following a 45-day suspension of its liquor license. On October 6, 2016, California Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) agents posted the Notice of Suspension at Redux Lounge prohibiting the business from serving or selling alcohol for 45 days. The license is now placed on probation for three years.
The suspension is the result of an investigation conducted by the ABC and the Walnut Creek Police Department related to ongoing disorderly operation of the business. Walnut Creek police report that from August 2014 through July 2016, they responded to numerous calls for service at the business regarding fights, assaults, public drunkenness and disturbing the peace, which created a significant drain on police resources.
“ABC agents are called upon by local law enforcement to assist with ABC licensees who are contributing to problems in neighborhoods and communities,” said California Statewide Law Enforcement Association (CSLEA) President Alan Barcelona. “When police officers are routinely responding to a business for alcohol related offenses committed by patrons, it takes them away from other calls for service. An ABC licensee has a responsibility to run an ‘orderly house.’ ABC agents can force the licensee’s hand to do so, by suspending the liquor license.”
Upon completion of the suspension, the ABC could move to permanently revoke the business’s license if the licensee allows similar levels of disorderly activity to occur at any time during the three-year probationary period.