CT Pulls Liquor License Of Sports Bar Flouting Coronavirus Rules

BRISTOL, CT — Three Bristol-Burlington Health District agents visited a sports bar in town last week and didn't like what they saw, resulting in the suspension of the establishment's liquor license. It was the first crackdown since Gov. Ned Lamont tightened coronavirus restrictions the first week in November.

The spot inspection of Legends Sports Bar at 192 Pine St. in Bristol occurred at 10:12 p.m. on Friday, according to an order filed by the state Department of Consumer Protection.

The agents reported there were about 45 customers who were crowding the bar and not eating, in violation of Lamont's executive orders. Agents said they also observed customers playing pool after the 10 p.m. curfew "and there was no indication (the bar) would close soon." They ordered the bar closed immediately.

When the bar's owner, Marc Leboeuf, arrived shortly thereafter, he was questioned by the agents, who said Lebouef was "sarcastic" and told them he is trying to make a living.

The agents told Leboeuf the health district sent emails to all establishments serving liquor within the district to notify them of the new coronavirus rules and mandated 10 p.m. curfew. Leboeuf "brushed them off," according to the suspension order, and said he "doesn’t check his email."

Leboeuf told the agents "they should try to be less serious" and offered them pizza and martinis, according to the order.

The Department of Consumer Protection suspended Legend's liquor license indefinitely.

"We expect liquor establishments in our state to take public health and safety seriously," consumer protection Commissioner Michelle H. Seagull said in a statement. "The guidelines implemented to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 were established to protect the public, and those who intentionally ignore those guidelines put themselves, their employees, their customers and their community at risk."

Lamont's office praised the operation.

"We must give credit to local authorities for taking the COVID mitigation measures seriously, and the State of Connecticut will step in with these kinds of actions if necessary," his office said in a statement. "Enforcement of these rules is a tool in the toolbox to keep residents safe."