"Prep Bar" George Faces Protests from Neighbors

George, a bar and tavern in Georgetown, is facing opposition to its proposal to double its occupancy from neighbors, the Citizens Association of Georgetown and the Advisory Neighborhood Commission.

The bar's current license includes a 99-person capacity as agreed upon with neighbors several years ago. Now George seeks amend that agreement to allow at times up to 200 persons.

At the July ANC meeting, CAG's Cookie Cruz said her organization was concerned George "might not be a legitimate restaurant."

"They do not have a functioning kitchen," said Commissioner Bill Starrels during the meeting, which resulted in the ANC protesting the application. 

Jennifer Altemus, former president of CAG, told the Georgetown Current that neighbors who live in condos near the bar have complained about noise from people waiting in line and leaving the institution.

“The main noise issue we deal with is when we’re at capacity and patrons are forced to wait in line outside the courtyard,” George co-owner Reed Landry told the Current. "By increasing the capacity to that which is allowed by the fire marshal, it will likely alleviate any noise issues that currently exist.”

The hearing date is set for July 22.