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Crime & Safety

Maine bar cited for 17 violations

Biddeford Buzz: New Biddeford bar gets off to an illegally-tipsy start

This post was contributed by a community member.
(Biddeford Buzz )

By Joshua Wolfe/Biddeford Buzz

Hakuna Matata (HM) is the newest bar to open in downtown Biddeford, having received their license just three months ago.

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Owned by Bernard Katende and technically located at 193 Main Street, the bar is housed in the former location of the old Adam's Street Pub, with the entrance to the establishment located on Adams Street across from Biddeford City Hall.

According to Disney's major motion picture "The Lion King", which was first released in 1994, the Swahili phrase Hakuna Matata roughly translates to "no worries," and it appears the Biddeford Police Department feels the bar may be taking their name a bit too literally when complying with Maine Liquor Laws.

Just one week ago, on October 24, cops issued not 1… not 2… not 3… and not even 4… but 17 summonses for minors consuming liquor (underage drinking) and possession of false identification (fake ID) directly in the area of Hakuna Matata.

A quick review of the police reports which show the "home addresses" affiliated with the minors issued summons, suggests that the majority of individuals were from out of state and or students from local universities.

Per Title 28-A, In Maine the legal drinking age is 21 and it is illegal for anyone under 21 to purchase, possess or consume alcohol.

Bars and restaurants cannot legally serve, furnish, give, or deliver alcohol to anyone under 21 and individuals that are subject to liability for doing so, include the server, bartender, and owner of the establishment, with potential charges ranging from civil, criminal, and administrative penalties.

DETAILS:

https://www.biddefordbuzz.com/post/biddeford-hakuna-matata-may-have-a-few-worries

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www.biddefordbuzz.com

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