BUFFALO, N.Y. — After a fourth shooting there this year, Club Marcella had its liquor license suspended Friday.
The New York State Liquor Authority made the announcement Friday that "at a special meeting of the Full Board ... effective immediately, no alcohol may be sold or consumed on the premises."
Earlier this week, the City of Buffalo shut down the popular LGBTQ+ nightclub.
The Buffalo Police Department hung an order of immediate closure on the club’s door just before 5 p.m. Sunday, stating, “A dire emergency currently exists in the area of 106 Michigan Ave., as a result of the disruptive and violent behavior that has taken place immediately inside and outside of Club Marcella.”
The latest shooting occurred around 2:30 a.m. on Dec. 3 when a 30-year-old male was shot in a Club Marcella bathroom. He was taken to ECMC to be treated and is in stable condition.
"The suspension follows numerous instances requiring the Buffalo Police Department to respond to complaints regarding incidents involving firearms, violence, thefts, disturbances, property damages, and quality of life concerns around the establishment," the State Liquor Authority said Friday in a statement announcing the news.
The notice from Buffalo Police Commissioner Joseph Gramaglia said that in addition to the four shootings, there have been 45 service calls, 14 assault calls, and eight threats from the club this year. Seven people have been shot, and one was killed.
The State Liquor Authority specifically cited Club Marcella as being in violation of section 118 of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law, which covers a general pattern of noise, disturbance, misconduct, and other items.
“It is clear that there has been a recent troubling pattern of violence and disorder in and around this location,” State Liquor Authority chair Lily Fan said. “Licensees have a duty to provide for the safety of their patrons, and the Board is obligated to take action to protect public safety.”