{"id":31290,"date":"2022-05-01T04:42:37","date_gmt":"2022-05-01T04:42:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cjstudents.com\/?p=31290"},"modified":"2022-05-01T04:42:37","modified_gmt":"2022-05-01T04:42:37","slug":"how-bangor-could-address-pattern-of-violence-at-harlow-street-night-spot","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cjstudents.com\/index.php\/2022\/05\/01\/how-bangor-could-address-pattern-of-violence-at-harlow-street-night-spot\/","title":{"rendered":"How Bangor could address pattern of violence at Harlow Street night spot"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> [ad_1]<\/p>\n<div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column\">\n<p>The state\u2019s liquor licensing division has\u00a0launched an investigation following a shooting outside two Bangor nightclubs\u00a0last weekend, the latest in a series\u00a0of violent episodes that have happened at the Harlow Street property the clubs share in recent years.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The investigation, which would only address potential liquor law violations, comes after state Sen. Joe Baldacci, D-Bangor, called on officials to consider rescinding the nightclubs\u2019 liquor licenses if they can\u2019t put a stop to the repeated violence. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>A spokesperson for the state\u2019s Bureau of Alcoholic Beverages and Lottery Operations didn\u2019t specify whether Half Acre Nightclub or Diamonds Gentleman\u2019s Club, which both operate at 190 Harlow St., was the target of the investigation. <\/p>\n<p>The probe represents the first concrete action following last weekend\u2019s shooting to address violence at the popular night spot. On Monday, Bangor <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/bangordailynews.com\/2022\/04\/25\/news\/bangor\/bangor-wont-take-immediate-action-to-address-violence-at-harlow-street-night-spot\/\" rel=\"noopener\">city councilors did not discuss\u00a0how to address<\/a> the shooting during a workshop or their subsequent regular meeting. <\/p>\n<p>But there are steps the city could take to help end troublesome behavior emanating from the nightclubs, according to experts who spoke with the Bangor Daily News. Those include expanding a disruptive properties ordinance to apply to commercial establishments and taking a collaborative approach with police, the nightclubs and community members to try to solve the problem.<\/p>\n<aside class=\"scaip scaip-1    \">\n<aside id=\"custom_html-18\" class=\"widget_text widget_custom_html clearfix\"\/><\/aside>\n<p>Before the shooting on early Sunday morning that left one person injured, <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/bangordailynews.com\/2021\/08\/08\/news\/bangor\/1-arrested-in-shooting-at-harlow-street-business-police-say\/\" rel=\"noopener\">a shooting also took place at the property last August<\/a>, a man <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/bangordailynews.com\/2021\/05\/04\/news\/bangor\/bangor-man-guilty-in-2020-killing-outside-bangor-nightclub\/\" rel=\"noopener\">was killed there in 2020<\/a>\u00a0and police have been called repeatedly over the years to respond to assaults and noise complaints.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt seems like the ball is in Bangor\u2019s court now,\u201d said Robert Glover, an associate professor of political science at the University of Maine whose research focuses on democratic theory and political engagement.\u00a0\u201cIf you have those businesses resulting in a pattern of violent behavior, is that what you want for your community?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Even threatening to suspend or rescind a business\u2019 liquor license is \u201cthe leverage that municipalities always have\u201d to ensure recurring problems at a business\u00a0cease, Glover said.<\/p>\n<aside class=\"scaip scaip-2    \">\n<aside id=\"custom_html-9\" class=\"widget_text widget_custom_html clearfix\"\/><\/aside>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignwide size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"600\" height=\"386\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bdn-data.s3.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2022\/04\/190-Harlow-Liquor-License-B-LCO.jpg?resize=600%2C386&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"A sign that reads in all caps &quot;Police take notice no trespass or loitering between 1:45 am and 6 am management&quot; is in front of a window\" class=\"wp-image-3207449\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bdn-data.s3.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2022\/04\/190-Harlow-Liquor-License-B-LCO.jpg?resize=600%2C386&amp;ssl=1 600w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bdn-data.s3.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2022\/04\/190-Harlow-Liquor-License-B-LCO.jpg?resize=480%2C308&amp;ssl=1 480w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bdn-data.s3.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2022\/04\/190-Harlow-Liquor-License-B-LCO.jpg?resize=768%2C493&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bdn-data.s3.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2022\/04\/190-Harlow-Liquor-License-B-LCO.jpg?resize=400%2C257&amp;ssl=1 400w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bdn-data.s3.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2022\/04\/190-Harlow-Liquor-License-B-LCO.jpg?resize=150%2C96&amp;ssl=1 150w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bdn-data.s3.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2022\/04\/190-Harlow-Liquor-License-B-LCO.jpg?w=1200&amp;ssl=1 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\"\/><figcaption>A no loitering sign in front of Diamonds Gentleman\u2019s Club at 190 Harlow St. in Bangor. <span class=\"image-credit\"><span class=\"credit-label-wrapper\">Credit:<\/span> Linda Coan O&#8217;Kresik \/ BDN<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>\u201cIf you suspend Half Acre\u2019s or Diamonds\u2019 liquor license, there\u2019s no other revenue stream for them,\u201d he said. <\/p>\n<p>The ultimate authority to issue a liquor license lies with the state, but the town or city where the business is located needs to approve it. The Bangor City Council last renewed Diamonds\u2019 liquor license in February, and Half Acre\u2019s was last renewed in August 2021 and will expire in November.<\/p>\n<p>A disruptive properties ordinance also gives a city leverage over a problem spot, Glover said.<\/p>\n<aside class=\"scaip scaip-3    \">\n<aside id=\"newspack-ads-widget-7\" class=\"widget_newspack-ads-widget clearfix\"\/><\/aside>\n<p>Bangor has such an ordinance, <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/bangordailynews.com\/2013\/01\/14\/news\/bangor\/bangor-council-overwhelmingly-passes-ordinance-targeting-troublesome-tenants-landlords\/\" rel=\"noopener\">approved in 2013<\/a>, that fines landlords $500 to $1,000 if they don\u2019t try to address chronic problems such as loud music, boisterous gatherings, fights and criminal activity.<\/p>\n<p>But it applies only to residential, not commercial, properties, so the city has never used it to cite 190 Harlow St., Bangor Code Enforcement Director Jeff Wallace said.<\/p>\n<p>If police respond to such complaints at the same property twice within 60 days, the police chief classifies it as a disruptive property. The property owner must then agree to a code and fire safety inspection and meet with the police chief to create a plan to prevent future problems.<\/p>\n<p>After 180 days without a problem, the city lifts the property\u2019s disorderly classification. <\/p>\n<p>\u201cIf we can use that on individuals, then it can certainly be used on businesses,\u201d Glover said. \u201cTo me, that seems like the natural pathway.\u201d<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignwide size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"600\" height=\"395\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bdn-data.s3.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2022\/04\/190-Harlow-Liquor-License-F-LCO.jpg?resize=600%2C395&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"The words &quot;Half Acre Nightclub&quot; are shown on the sides of a building\" class=\"wp-image-3207451\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bdn-data.s3.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2022\/04\/190-Harlow-Liquor-License-F-LCO.jpg?resize=600%2C395&amp;ssl=1 600w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bdn-data.s3.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2022\/04\/190-Harlow-Liquor-License-F-LCO.jpg?resize=480%2C316&amp;ssl=1 480w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bdn-data.s3.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2022\/04\/190-Harlow-Liquor-License-F-LCO.jpg?resize=768%2C505&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bdn-data.s3.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2022\/04\/190-Harlow-Liquor-License-F-LCO.jpg?resize=400%2C263&amp;ssl=1 400w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bdn-data.s3.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2022\/04\/190-Harlow-Liquor-License-F-LCO.jpg?resize=150%2C99&amp;ssl=1 150w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bdn-data.s3.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2022\/04\/190-Harlow-Liquor-License-F-LCO.jpg?w=1200&amp;ssl=1 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\"\/><figcaption>190 Harlow St. is home to two Bangor clubs, Diamonds Gentleman\u2019s Club and Half Acre Nightclub, where a shooting took place in the parking area over the weekend. <span class=\"image-credit\"><span class=\"credit-label-wrapper\">Credit:<\/span> Linda Coan O&#8217;Kresik \/ BDN<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Patrick Brann, who owns 190 Harlow St. and Half Acre Nightclub said earlier this week he feels unfairly blamed when violence happens outside his business because he\u2019s taken security measures inside, installing security cameras and requiring everyone to walk through a metal detector and have their IDs scanned. <\/p>\n<aside class=\"scaip scaip-5    \">\n<aside id=\"custom_html-19\" class=\"widget_text widget_custom_html clearfix\"\/><\/aside>\n<p>When patrons get into arguments that turn violent outside on public property, Brann said those become the police\u2019s responsibility. <\/p>\n<p>Business owners still should be held accountable if their establishments foster violent behavior that requires constant police surveillance, Glover said, as it \u201ctransfers the responsibility onto the police and public.\u201d <\/p>\n<p>Michael Rocque, a Bates College sociology professor who specializes in criminology and criminal justice, said it would be in the nightclub owners\u2019 best interests to work with police \u201cto find a solution, because their patrons getting into tussles isn\u2019t a helpful business model.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>While the nightclubs may ensure their patrons are safe inside, Rocque said simple measures, like helping patrons get a ride home and separating arguing customers, can keep everyone safe after they\u2019ve left. <\/p>\n<p>\u201cSimple things like street lighting or having a police officer drive past or park nearby have shown to be effective at reducing crime,\u201d Rocque said. \u201cWiping your hands and saying, \u2018it\u2019s not my problem,\u2019 isn\u2019t the best solution on either side.\u201d <\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignwide size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"600\" height=\"369\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bdn-data.s3.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2022\/04\/190-Harlow-Liquor-License-E-LCO.jpg?resize=600%2C369&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"A do not trespass sign is shown by the entrance of a building\" class=\"wp-image-3207450\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bdn-data.s3.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2022\/04\/190-Harlow-Liquor-License-E-LCO.jpg?resize=600%2C369&amp;ssl=1 600w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bdn-data.s3.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2022\/04\/190-Harlow-Liquor-License-E-LCO.jpg?resize=480%2C295&amp;ssl=1 480w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bdn-data.s3.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2022\/04\/190-Harlow-Liquor-License-E-LCO.jpg?resize=768%2C472&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bdn-data.s3.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2022\/04\/190-Harlow-Liquor-License-E-LCO.jpg?resize=400%2C246&amp;ssl=1 400w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bdn-data.s3.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2022\/04\/190-Harlow-Liquor-License-E-LCO.jpg?resize=150%2C92&amp;ssl=1 150w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bdn-data.s3.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2022\/04\/190-Harlow-Liquor-License-E-LCO.jpg?w=1200&amp;ssl=1 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\"\/><figcaption>A no loitering sign in front of Diamonds Gentleman\u2019s Club at 190 Harlow St. in Bangor. <span class=\"image-credit\"><span class=\"credit-label-wrapper\">Credit:<\/span> Linda Coan O&#8217;Kresik \/ BDN<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Some conflict is to be expected when a typically, young, male customer base and alcohol are combined, Rocque said. But there are more collaborative and constructive ways to address it than revoking an establishment\u2019s liquor license, he said.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cRemoving alcohol would be a strict way to reduce violence,\u201d he said. \u201cThe only problem is, that\u2019s going to damage the business.\u201d <\/p>\n<p>Police could employ \u201cproblem-solving policing,\u201d an approach in which they work with community members and business owners to understand when and how chronic problems arise. The approach reinforces that everyone has a stake in addressing violence, Rocque said.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cFrom a moral perspective, I would hope everyone feels they have a stake in trying to stop these incidents from happening,\u201d he said. \u201cIt\u2019s time to figure it out.\u201d <\/p>\n<p><h3 class=\"jp-relatedposts-headline\"><em>More articles from the BDN<\/em><\/h3>\n<\/p>\n<section id=\"custom_html-2\" class=\"widget_text below-content widget widget_custom_html\"\/>\n<section id=\"custom_html-20\" class=\"widget_text below-content widget widget_custom_html\"\/>\t<\/div>\n<p>[ad_2]<br \/>\n<br \/><a href=\"https:\/\/bangordailynews.com\/2022\/04\/29\/news\/bangor\/addressing-harlow-street-violence-joam40zk0w\/\">Source link <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[ad_1] The state\u2019s liquor licensing division has\u00a0launched an investigation following a shooting outside two Bangor&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":31291,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[24],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-31290","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-theory"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/cjstudents.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/31290","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/cjstudents.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/cjstudents.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cjstudents.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cjstudents.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=31290"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/cjstudents.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/31290\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":31292,"href":"https:\/\/cjstudents.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/31290\/revisions\/31292"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cjstudents.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/31291"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/cjstudents.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=31290"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cjstudents.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=31290"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cjstudents.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=31290"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}