Owner Of Former Bridgeport Bar Clears Record On Violations

BRIDGEPORT, CT — The owner of the former Mango'z Sports Bar said that he was stunned to learn about coronavirus and liquor permit violations through the media, according to The Connecticut Post. Marlon Pinnock said that the bar hasn't been open since the lockdown began.

The alleged violations occurred during a gathering at the 456 Connecticut Ave. property Dec. 20. During that gathering, two four people were shot, resulting in two deaths.

The former bar was being rented out as a private club, and the owner of the building was subsequently fined $10,000 for violating health permits and not possessing a liquor permit, according to The Connecticut Post.

Police said that there has been a recurring problem with people using the space as a private club and bringing their own liquor. Pinnock again stressed to the Connecticut Post that his sports bar has been closed since March and what caused confusion is that the signage has remained, and it was supposed to be taken down.

See related: 2 Killed In Shooting At Former Bridgeport Sports Bar

Gov. Ned Lamont announced Friday that the Connecticut Department of Public Health had levied the penalty against Mango Z Sports Bar at 456 Connecticut Avenue in Bridgeport.

The violation stems from an incident that occurred at Mango Z in the early morning hours of Dec. 20, in which Bridgeport police were called to the bar after reports of shots fired, according to a news release from Lamont's office.

"While the overwhelming number of businesses in Connecticut have done a great job partnering with the state and complying with the necessary protocols to prevent the spread of this virus, a small number still think the rules don't apply to them, and these enforcement actions are necessary for those who put the health and safety of their customers and staff at risk," Lamont said.

DPH had determined that more than 25 people were inside the restaurant that night in violation of the gathering size restrictions, according to the release. Officials also said the eatery was operating past the mandatory 10:00 p.m. closing time that is currently in effect.

"The governor's public health executive orders were put into place to protect the citizens of Connecticut and hinder the spread of COVID-19," Acting Public Health Commissioner Dr. Deidre Gifford said. "The Department of Public Health takes enforcement of those orders very seriously and will issue fines for violations that endanger the public health, as we have in this case."
Additionally, the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection claims that Mango Z did not have an active liquor permit at the time of the incident. Its most recent permit expired Aug. 9, according to state officials. Serving liquor without an active permit is a criminal offense.

DPH has referred the matter to the State's Attorney for Bridgeport to determine a possible violation of liquor control laws.

"It's imperative that business owners understand that there is accountability that goes hand in hand with being responsible for the well-being and safety of their patrons in a pandemic environment," Bridgeport Acting Chief of Police Rebeca Garcia said. "In this case, it appears that safeguards were not in place, which may have put the public at risk."

>>>Read the full CT Post story here.