Tyson Odermann, Contributing Photographer

The Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection, or DCP, suspended NOA by September in Bangkok’s liquor permit indefinitely last week as a result of a shooting that occurred at the restaurant.

The DCP promptly suspended the Thai restaurant’s liquor permit four days after the shooting, following a written request for the liquor license suspension from the NHPD. The shooting, which occurred at approximately 1 a.m. on Aug. 31, left two women grazed by bullets after a physical altercation on the restaurant’s premises. 

Lieutenant Brendan Borer of the NHPD sent the DCP a request for the suspension of NOA’s liquor permit on the day of the shooting. He stated that the request was made to “ensure that the business can improve the security and safety conditions at their establishment,” citing the shooting as the catalyst of their decision.

Borer continued that concerns about NOA’s security arose due to a stabbing that occurred at the restaurant in November 2023. 

Borer visited NOA for a security meeting following the stabbing incident. At the meeting, he and Liquor Agent Michael Kula discussed improved security measures for the business, including pat downs of patrons to prevent weapons from entering the establishment.

“[NOA] poses an immediate danger to its customers, the commercial businesses that it adjoins, pedestrians, and vehicular traffic,” Borer wrote in the request.

NOA could not be reached for comment on this article.

DCP commissioner Bryan Cafferelli served the order, which indefinitely suspended NOA’s liquor permit. The order echoed many of the same concerns for public safety and security that NHPD’s request for suspension included. 

Cafferelli stated that the DCP has had to get involved with the restaurant on three separate occasions since NOA was issued its liquor permit in July 2022. The instances include the aforementioned stabbing, complaints from the Yale Police Department about bartenders pouring drinks directly into patrons’ mouths and an instance where a minor was seen at the restaurant’s bar with a fake ID during an unannounced inspection.

“We find that the August 31, 2024 shooting event, which follows a stabbing in the premise and is the second incident of violence in less than one year, demonstrates that the premises is operated in a manner that imperils public safety and highlights the need for better control of the premise by the permittee, backer, or their agent,” Cafferelli wrote.

The NHPD requested that NOA show proof of improved security measures before reopening.

“We’d like to see any bar or restaurant contribute positively to the community by making the neighborhood vibrant and lively while also ensuring a safe environment,” NHPD Officer Christian Bruckhart wrote to the News. “We’re hoping that NOA can make the improvements needed to make that happen.”

NOA is located at 200 Crown St.