Norwalk Bar Shut Down Following Underage Drinking Bust: CT DCP

NORWALK, CT — The Department of Consumer Protection announced Monday that Johnny Utah's in Norwalk will not reopen after over 100 underage people were found at the bar during an April raid.

According to a release, the establishment’s permit was suspended on April 20, and will remain suspended through July 18, at which time its permit will be canceled.

The bar's owner has already paid a fine of $20,000 and has also agreed to reimburse the Norwalk Police Department for $3,912.74, which represents the spent police resources for April 19 and 20, DCP officials said.

They have also agreed to reimburse Fairfield University for the use of the private bus service and for university safety officers on April 20.

See also: Bar That Served Nearly 100 Underage Drinkers Ordered Close: PD

Though establishments receiving suspensions of their permit is common in Connecticut, it is not often an establishment will close permanently after violations.

"It is rare," Connecticut DCP spokesperson Lora Rae Anderson said in an email, "however the incident that led to the alleged violations in this settlement agreement are very serious. Violations typically involve a liquor permittee serving a suspension for a period of time, and/or paying a fine."

On April 19 at 11:45 p.m., representatives from the Norwalk Department of Police Service, the Department of Consumer Protection's Liquor Control Division and the Norwalk Fire Marshal's Office entered the country western bar to address a report of underage patrons, and more than 100 individuals under the age of 21 were identified, police said.

Police said a total of 103 underage persons were found at the bar, 93 of which were Fairfield University students.

"Investigators noted that many of the underage persons were intoxicated and most did not possess any type of identification," Lt. Terrance Blake said in a release.

Police said Fairfield University Public Safety arrived at the scene to help transport students back to the school.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank Chief Thomas Kulhawik and the men and women of the Norwalk Police Department for their continued efforts to provide a safe environment for their residents and visitors,” Consumer Protection Commissioner Michelle H. Seagull said in a release. “Our collaboration with local police is essential to protecting public health and safety in our state, and I am proud of the work we do together.”

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Photo credit: RJ Scofield