Liquor Authority Temporarily Bans Alcohol at Maggie's on the River

by Timothy W. Scee II
Special to Newzjunky.com
Published February 9, 2012

WATERTOWN, N.Y.  —  The general manager of a city bar says a “clerical error” is to blame for its temporary ban on serving alcoholic beverages issued by the state Liquor Authority after being notified Tuesday that its liquor license expired last month. 

An official from the state Liquor Authority told Newzjunky.com Wednesday that Maggie’s on the River, 500 Newell St., is in the process of renewing its license after it expired Jan. 31.

“It’s a pretty simple process and takes a couple of days,” said William Crowley, director of public and legislative affairs for the Liquor Authority. “

City police said the restaurant was serving alcohol to customers Tuesday afternoon when patrols were sent to check if the Liquor Authority had notified Maggie’s of its expired liquor license. 

“They (patrols) went initially in the afternoon, made the notification and everybody was stopped being served at that point,” Watertown Police Chief Joseph J. Goss said. “We went back later that evening and nobody had alcohol.”

Although city police made no charges against the bar, Mr. Goss said a report was drafted.

“They were not charged anything by the Watertown city police,” he said. “We did a report on our activity that will, if it’s requested, be forwarded to the liquor authority.”

Bernie S. Bernhardt, general manager of Maggie’s, said a “clerical error” was made when the restaurant was filling out its renewal forms for its liquor license but did not elaborate on what exactly that mistake may have been. 

“We’ve sent in all the appropriate information and hope to have it resolved sometime today,” Mr. Bernhardt said.

Maggie’s on the River will remain open to serve nonalcoholic beverages and food until its liquor license is renewed.

According to the Liquor Authority's website, the liquor license is in the name of Reginald J. Schweitzer Jr. and Christina A. Shultz on behalf of Hole Brothers Holdings, LLC. 

Official: New York State Liquor Authority  

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