Island Cafe liquor license

[from ANC 4C07 Commissioner Karen Archer]

This is unbelievable.

ANC 4C passed a resolution to protest the renewal liquor license for Island Cafe, which is located at 829 Upshur Street. For those not familiar with the Island Cafe, it is located just a few doors away from Ms. Carpenter's place at 821 Upshur. It's well known that some members in the community strongly oppose the issuance of a new liquor license for Ms. Carpenter's establishment [Domku Bar & Cafe], claiming that it will disturb the peace, order and quiet of the residents in the immediate area.

For the record, the Island Cafe has been a problem business. They have a limited day time presence, and because there is no voluntary agreement with the community the business often stays open till 3am Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. As the ANC Commissioner for that area I've received several complaints regarding the loitering, noise and parking problems caused by this establishment.

Well, today I attended the ABRA hearing for the renewal of the liquor license for Island Cafe, and I was shocked to see members of the very group that oppose Ms. Carpenter's liquor license attend the hearing to support the owner of the Island Cafe.

Karen W. Archer

Comments

[Kelly]

I'm surprised nobody has raised the possibility that the supporters of the Island Cafe are in some way affiliated with it and view Domku as a threat to Island Cafe business. Does that happen?

[sandy]

Carol, maybe you could post a link to the Post series on Soldier's Home. I can't find it. I do remember some articles on the restoration of the house Lincoln used during the Civil War, and on the sale of property across from Catholic U. But I don't recall anything on this sale and would be interested to read about it.

[Jason Glance]

Does anyone know the status of the former Kenny's Lounge on Upshur just outside the Soldier's Home entrance? It looks like a new restaurant may be headed there also.

[Erin]

This is very interesting. Is it known why they are so vocal in their objection to Domku but supportive of the Island Cafe?

I would think that this would undermine their case against Domku.

By the way, does anyone know what the latest is on the progress of Domku to get a license and/or open? From everything I have gathered about Domku it will be a real asset to the neighborhood and I am very much looking forward to it.