What to do about the Bogie? Deadline looms

By By JOLEEN FERRIS

Story Created: Jan 14, 2010 at 2:06 PM EDT

Story Updated: Jan 14, 2010 at 2:06 PM EDT

UTICA, N.Y. (WKTV) - Thursday is the deadline for Utica city officials to decide what to do about a local nightclub with a violent history.

Last week, the city held an administrative hearing regarding the Bogie II nightclub on North Genesee Street. Utica Police have responded to the club several times in recent months, for problems ranging from shots fired to patrons who had been cut with broken drink glasses. Club owner Anthony Festa walked out of last week's hearing before it was finished.

Officials in Utica's Corporation Counsel office say the city codes law which requires the city to make a decision five days after the hearing may have to be changed, as it doesn't give the involved parties enough time to pore through dozens of pages of hearing transcripts.

The city Police Chief, Fire Chief and Codes Commissioner are expected to make a decision late Thursday, or early Friday.

The State Liquor Authority has already suspended the Bogie's liquor license, in essence shutting them down for now. But city officials want to take steps to address problems at the club in case the owner decides to reopen without a liquor license. The state will schedule a hearing in Utica in the coming weeks during which they will determine whether or not to permanently revoke the club's liquor license.
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