Bear's Den violates ABC regulations
In a recent hearing at the Arkansas Alcoholic Beverage Control Board, ABC Director Michael Langley found Bear’s Den Pizza in violation of regulations. Certain restrictions were placed on its private club license, according to the ABC Board’s attorney.
ABC Staff Attorney Milton Lueken said the board listened to testimony from Brad McCray, permit holder at Bear’s Den Pizza, and officers from the Conway Police Department. Bear’s Den Pizza is located at 235 Farris Road.
Lueken said the allegations against the private club included serving alcohol to customers who were already intoxicated, expanding the club without ABC permission, violating a good neighbor regulation by playing music too loudly, and reports from the police department of two fights on the premises.
Lueken said the restaurant has an outdoor patio, and music coming from the patio had been a source of complaints from neighbors. No music will be allowed on the patio after 10 p.m., he said.
Moreover, the restaurant will not be allowed to serve alcohol after midnight, he said.
“Legally, we don’t have the authority to tell someone to close their business, but there will be no dispensing, consumption or possession of alcoholic beverages” after midnight, he said.
Conway Police officers reported they were dispatched to the private club on May 15 for an incident.
“Some people had words inside that led to an altercation outside,” Lueken said.
Also, on May 19, two women “got into a fight and shouting and pushing match inside the club, and officers were out there and actually separated the girls,” he said.
In conclusion, Lueken said, Michael Langley found the private club guilty of the infractions and imposed a fine and the restrictions on the club’s license. The decision can be appealed to the five-member ABC board, Lueken said.
By press time Monday, McCray had not returned a phone call seeking a comment on the hearing and the director’s decision.
Lueken said no other hearings of this manner have been held for private clubs in Faulkner County in recent memory, nor are any scheduled.
(Staff writer Rachel Parker Dickerson can be reached by e-mail at rachel.dickerson@thecabin.net or by phone at 505-1277. Send us your news at www.thecabin.net/submit)
Comments (26)
Add commentThis place isn't really a
This place isn't really a restaurant that serves liquor...it's practically just a full on bar.
Aww. . . leave them alone.
Aww. . . leave them alone. It's way better than students driving around drunk to get back to campus. At least, now they can just walk back home drunk. This wouldn't be an issue if Faulkner county could have a re-vote on the wet county issue and allow the students to vote.
If these people were going
If these people were going around to all the other "private clubs" in town they would find out that the same thing is happening there! Outback & Gusanos bar area is always packed! They are just trying to shut down Bears Den! If they are going to go to one "private club" they need to go to ALL OF THEM!
what a joke.
@ rbo6: the difference between this place and the others is they actually cater towards the younger crowd with cheap drinks and decent priced food. Gusanos hasn't been packed since last summer when the ABC came after them. Outback is a great place to hang out if you're into oil field men in their goofy jumpsuits that seem to take up every other seat at the bar.
Notice there were no charges for serving underage kids alcohol. Bear's Den does a great job at carding everyone that walks through the door thoroughly. ..and last time I was there at least 2 taxis were waiting outside to assist anyone needing a ride home that shouldn't be driving. But wait, we are concerned with illegal decks and loud speakers.
I wonder if the ABC has ever done a sting on the local country clubs? I witnessed a drunk person getting served alcohol at least once I think... wait, maybe the guy wasn't drunk, just dizzy from standing up too fast.
Here's a better idea: shut down all the places serving booze in town, therefore cutting out tons of sales tax revenue and encouraging Conway residents to drive to Little Rock, get slammed, and drive back on I-40 at 2:00 in the morning. Who needs the tax dollars anyway?
Bear's Den
* sigh* I actually agree with kakalina on this one. There is a HUGE difference between this place and any of the other clubs in town. I mean, just look at the location it is in. You see who it is geared toward.
Big Difference
There is a huge difference between this BAR and the other restaurants in Conway that serve alchohol. I know for a fact too, that the serving alchohol past midnight thing was violated last night. Atleast according someones facebook status.
If it is this outta control this summer, what is going to happen in the fall when UCA starts back.
SERIOUSLY????
Okay, This is ridiculous. I think the whole dry county thing is ridiculous!! Why? We are sending all that tax revenue to Pulaski county. And all of this, "not in my town" attitude is ridiculous. Having private clubs has brought Conway's restaurant scene to life. We have great restaurants, where adults (college age and older) can engage in an adult beverage without driving to Little Rock and giving them all the profits. Think about our tasty restaurant selections. Now we have great restaurants that I'm sure each of you have enjoyed at least once (Mike's Place, Outback, Gusanos, Ruby Tuesday, Michelangelos, etc...). Don't be naive people... not selling liquor won't keep people from drinking!!! And seriously to the person who eluded to the fact that Conway will end up like Pine Bluff, West Memphis if it isn't dry... SERIOUSLY????
Totally agree
I mean, if you figure how many of our tax dollars POUR into Pulaski or Conway counties pockets every week, it's mind blowing. People are deluding themselves if they think other wise. Many of our clubs in this town are run responsibly and conduct themselves with professionalism. I think it's a good thing that Bear's Den got called on the carpet. It show's that CPD or ABC or whoever is keeping check on them. I'm not a proponent of full blown wet county. I think there needs to be closely regulated sales. I also don't think you should be able to roll into Valero and pick up a "six-er" . THere is a middle ground that a lot of people seem to over look. I come, THINK people, don't let fear, or try to impose YOUR beliefs on everyone. I remember when I started college in this town the "devil" was that Conway Corp was allowing Mtv run on basic cable. I just wish there was an open, calm, discussion of the issue rather than a handfull of "the sky is falling" alarmists getting the lion's share of the attention.
Bears Den
It seems like its just catching trouble because it is geared towards college students. The " serving alcohol to customers who were already intoxicated" allegation is bogus, that happens ALL over Conway. Bears den, the VFW, old Chicago, Fridays, Gusanos, but you dont see them in front of the ABC. The rooftop party seems like it should be targeted too. I've only been once and from what I can see no food whatsoever is served. How does that work? At least Bears Den is strict on underage drinking. At the VFW, all they do is swipe the card to see if it is real, and of age. Every now and then they might look at the ID. This is just a witch hunt. Also, Bears Den IS a restaurant. Saying it's not is a slap in the face to those of us that work very hard in the kitchen to prepare the food for the customers.
Unfair, Unethical
Bears Den Pizza has always, and will always, operate within the scope of the law, despite the recent allegations. Bears Den is being targeted for its success and for the being the only 'Private Club' catering to one of the largest groups in Conway, The Students! The allegations Bears Den is being charged with are unsubstantiated and quite frankly are occurring in other 'Private Clubs' in Conway on a nightly basis. Every 'Private Club' in Conway has acquired the same permit and for one to be able to serve till 2 am and the other only till midnight is unfair, unethical, and potentially illegal. I also noticed the the article stated that Bears Den is the only 'Private Club' in Conway that has had these types of charges. What about the noise complaints at Michelangelo's roof top party's. Or Old Chicago being charged for serving a minor, which is very severe. I think everybody should be treated fair, regardless if you're a college pizza joint or a ritzy fine dining restaurant. After all, that is the democratic way!