State Shuts Down Popular East Hampton Bar

EAST HAMPTON, CT — Angelico's Lake House Restaurant, a local tiki bar that was recently damaged in a fire, has been shut down by the state, according to WFSB 3 TV. The Department of Revenue Services suspended the restaurant's sales tax permit after reports that gift cards were being sold at half their value if patrons paid with cash or a check.

State officials said this is cause for concern because when businesses sell gift cards for less than their value, it means the owners believe they're likely to shut down.

The popular outdoor tiki bar was damaged in a blaze last week, according to The Middletown Press. The tiki bar is on the shore of Lake Pocotopaug. The interior of the establishment remained open despite damage to the exterior patio.

The business advertised a "fire sale" over the weekend, offering half-priced gift cards for anyone willing to pay with cash or check. The Department of Consumer Protection will investigate the case. Town records show that Angelico's has $42,000 in tax liens on the property, according to WFSB 3 TV.

The fire last week did not affect the inside of the restaurant and no one was injured, The Middletown Press reported. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, WFSB 3 TV reports.

One resident said last week, "Nooooo really? Omg heart broken!!!" Another person wrote, "...this is devastating on so many levels."

Just two weeks ago, 'Only in Your State' profiled Angelico's Lake House saying "Sink Your Toes In The Sand At This One-Of-A-Kind Tiki Bar In Connecticut."

The authors wrote, "Angelico’s Lake House in East Hampton knows how to put you in the vacation mindset. Put on your floral Hawaiian shirt and bring your best friends with you. This place will make your worries drift far, far away. Sink your toes in the sand at this one-of-a-kind tiki bar in Connecticut. Overlooking the glistening waters of Lake Pocotopaug, Angelico's Lake House is the perfect breezy oasis."

The restaurant features live music on weekends and serves seafood, steaks and more. The facility has hosted weddings, banquets, and corporate events. Calls to Angelico's Lake House were not returned. Fire officials could not be reached for comment.

>>>Read the full profile of Angelico's Lake House by 'Only In Your State' here.