Samad Hakani, Photography Editor

The State of Connecticut’s Liquor Control Commission temporarily suspended the liquor permit of 144 Temple St. — a nightclub, bar and restaurant — on Jan. 15. 

The suspension, which was accompanied by a $13,000 fine, will last 13 days total, targeting  four Thursday-Saturday weekends until Feb. 14.

According to reports obtained by the News, the penalties imposed are in response to discoveries made by nighttime undercover special investigations teams of Liquor Control officers on Dec. 7, 2023, Jan. 26, 2024 and Jan. 27, 2024. These officers identified the alleged sale and delivery of liquor to minors, unlawful smoking, failure to provide daily records, minors loitering in barrooms and other violations on premises.

“Typically, [with cases like these], we’ll get a complaint from a consumer, police department, or town official, and our investigators will follow up with that business and do an inspection,” said Kaitlyn Kresselt, director of communications at the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection. “There’s a few different pathways it could go [from there]. In this case, they worked with us to come to a settlement agreement, in which they’re not necessarily admitting guilt but agreeing to a penalty based on the allegations of suspected violations of the statutes.”

The December 2023 report filed by the officers referenced owner Marc Alderucci’s ID verification processes. Alderucci explained that all patrons are screened by security at the door and by bartenders before being served. Many customers are also required to fill out age verification forms. 

According to Kresselt, the suspension period is negotiated based on the operating hours of the business. The penalties for 144 Temple St., she added, are also relatively more severe than the norm and pay specific attention to their busiest nights.

After the suspension period, 144 Temple St. will be permitted to return to its former operating schedule.

The News was unable to reach the management team at 144 Temple St.

144 Temple St. opened on Dec. 3, 2022 after the former business in its location — Elm City Tap House — had its liquor license permanently revoked for unlawful sale of alcohol to minors.

Interested in getting more news about New Haven? Join our newsletter!

REETI MALHOTRA
Reeti Malhotra is a first-year student in Silliman College and prospective Political Science and English major. She covers Cops and Courts for the News and also writes for WKND. Outside the newsroom, she is a Cinemat liaison and actress within Yale undergraduate theatre productions. She is originally from Singapore.