Chelsea’s is endanger of closing

I know this has nothing to do with legal technology but Chelsea’s Cafe just lost its liquor license.  After Gustav, when Lawot’s office had no power for two weeks, the owner of Chelsea’s (Dave) let me setup up shop in his restaurant which had AC, Internet and Power.  It allowed me to service clients and make some money while stay refreshed and well fed. 

This past week the ATC (Alcohol Tobacco Commission) revoked Chelsea’s Liquor License because they are allegedly operating  as a bar and not a restaurant even though Chelsea’s meets the legal requirements (Food Sales over 50%) to operate as a restaurant.

Here is what one of the ATC Attorney’s had to say:

“If it looks like a bar, acts like a bar, smells like a bar, it doesn’t matter what your numbers are,” DeJohn says about the ratio of food and liquor sales, a part of the permit which Remmeter had proven was in compliance.”  225

What a great statement!  Maybe that's how we should approach the law.  If the authorities think a person looks like a criminal, who cares what they have actually done.  The position of the ATC is totally ridiculously and should be an embarrassment to the legal community.  Laws should be based on facts and not someone’s opinion.   

Chelsea’s operates in a building that has been a bar\restaurant\entertainment venue for 40 years and shares a corner with 3 other bars,  (One that mysteriously operates as a restaurant although food is rarely served there.  I guess they have not pissed off the ATC).

Here is the Craig Bayer is Chelsea’s a Bar Test?

Where did Clark’s entire family go to eat when he graduated?

Chelseas

Where did my family go for my last birthday?

Chelseas - Point being that Clark and and I don’t usually take our parents to bars. (expectation on bogies)

Who has the best Grilled Cheese, Rib Eye,  Artichoke Ravioli,  Pork au Jus, Sausage and Peppers, and Humus in Baton Rouge?

Chelseas – Read the Reviews on Yelp and Urban Spoon

What Restaurant proudly displays a picture of Craig and Clark play rocking out on their wall?

Chelsea's  (and the chimes, but we snuck that one up)

Not ramble on, but how does Sullivan’s not get in trouble?  They do the exact same thing as Dave minus the silicon and frosted tips?  Maybe there really is a conspiracy to replace anything original in Baton Rouge with Franchises, Strip Malls, and Condos!

For more info check out: http://www.ilovechelseas.com/

Comments

[Laura Stirling Joffrion]

Here, HERE!!! Well said, Craig.

Living in California, Chelsea's is one of the only places I can count on to have cold beers, amazing food and original music when I am home. This is a shame. A shame.

The ATC needs to find someone else pick on because Chelsea's is too much of a community staple to just stop existing.