New Londoners were once again exposed to a situation where people who gathered together for a 'good time' of partying and drinking at a liquor infused establishment, got way too drunk to allow for the 'good times' to theoretically continue.
I am talking of course about the incident that took place between 111 and 130 Bank St. this past weekend. Members of the Wild-Style Riders Motorcycle Club had a clash with non participants of this supposed 'unknown' to the zoning board, drinking establishment--(can you believe that, when the establishment been opened for 10 years???).
Whose fault this incident is, who started this fight, and so on...is not the issue of this blog. What is an issue, or at least part of the issue, is that once again, in a city that is famously known for its bars, we had a problem---a dangerous problem that involved alcohol consumption. If the incident had continued to escalate to a higher level, just think--this city would have been on the national news because we could have had a potential for at least 4 murders from one incident.
You are right, nobody died. I believe this to be a miracle of God--because let's face it, as least one individual was left in a life threatening situation.So what do I intend to use this blog for? I simply want to as a question and get some feedback from fellow New Londoners regarding an issue that comes out of this incident. There was a story in Tuesday's 'Day' that indicated New London was going to shut this club down. "Great!" I thought, "...one drinking establishment we will no longer have!!"
Then, while reading the same article, I had to take a double look--when I read the following paragraph: "Scott Capano said the family originally brought the building with the intention of turning it into an Irish pub. Capano owns and operate the Harp & Dragon Pub in Norwich and in 2010 applied to build a New London version of the popular restaurant. The plans were subsequently approved that year by the city's planning and zoning board."
As I read further into the article, I come to discover that Scott Capano and his family are now planning to proceed with creating this new....bar. I sat there...just wondering..why? Why does New London need another bar to be added to its already ample supply of a selection drinking establishments? Why must there be another establishment where alcohol consumption is the main product offered to the consumers, in an area where alcohol consumption is one of the biggest problem that the officers of NLPD have to contend with, because of consumers who consumes the alcohol that is already being sold downtown??
Just about every restaurant that is downtown--especially those that are on Bank St, already have a bar, or some form of alcohol distribution center in it. About the only ones that I can think of, (and maybe you can think of more), that don't have a bar in it is Subway and Michael's Dairy! There are at least 4 package stores between Water Front Park and my home. I live just 6 blocks from the park!! There are at least 2 gas stations that I know of that have an alcohol section. I mean this is JUST THE DOWNTOWN AREA ALONE!!!
Now, let's get real here folks!! When we look, (if you look of course!) at the police logs on a daily basis, what seems to be the number one charges? Public disturbance!! These 'disturbances' are more then likely done because of public intoxication problems. Where are the majority of these arrests made? Yep!! Downtown!!! Hmmm?
Don't get me wrong here. I know people have a right to drink because it is legal, and I know that people are encouraged to drink 'responsibly'. But isn't it way to obvious to you that New London already offers way too many opportunities for people to get drunk as it is? And considering the number of incidents the police have to handle, (AKA public safety issue!!) because of all the alcohol consumed downtown, do we REALLY have to have another drinking establishment that gives our police more opportunity to deal with drunken people?
This is not meant as any disrespect to the Capano family. I am sure they are fine business people. From the number of businesses they own and run, I am sure they have many opportunities to give back to the community. I have personally seen first hand where their New London ShopRite store has been ample with help to the community and to those in need.
But come on! They already own all the ShopRites in the area, plus a couple of bars. Don't they sell enough alcohol as it is???
