City Can’t Deny Ice House License

The State Attorney General's Office has told City officials that the Portland City Council did not have the authority to deny a license to The Ice House on York Street in the West End, because state officials had already renewed the bar’s license in June.

Members of the State’s Liquor Control Board were scheduled to hear an appeal at Portland City Hall on October 19th by owners of the Ice House. The Portland City Council had voted unanimously on August 21st (6-0, three Councilors absent) not to renew the liquor license of the local bar. Portland police recommended the license denial, despite praise they gave the bar earlier this summer.

Several neighbors spoke at the August 21st Council meeting, complaining about a number of issues. Owners of the bar say they are being penalized for their increased cooperation with the Portland Police Department. The Council cannot take action on the bar's license until it is up for its annual renewal in June, 2007.