Downtown Detroit bar's liquor license revoked after selling to minors

A Detroit bar is banned from selling liquor after being cited by state inspectors for serving underage patrons.

The Michigan Liquor Control Commission has revoked the license for 125 Michigan Ave. LLC, which conducts business as "Garden Pub" and operated St. Brigid's Bathtub Pub at 129 Michigan Ave.

The bar near Lafayette and American Coney Islands sold alcohol to minors on three separate occasions, according to a news release from the state.

Under state law, a licensee can be cited for a violation if alcohol is sold to minors or visibly intoxicated persons, and the commission must suspend or revoke a liquor license if there are three or more violations on different occasions within 24 months.

On three separate occasions, Nov. 11, 2016, June 9, 2017, and Sept. 8, 2017, 20-year-olds were sold alcoholic beverages and identification was not requested, according to the release,

The Garden Pub licensee, Deone Larkins, was not present at the hearing and has been incarcerated since March 14, 2018 at the William Dickerson Detention Facility in Wayne County in connection with multiple city business violations, the release said.

Larkins is expected to be released on June 11, and was represented by attorney Carolyn Chapman Marsh at the hearing last week.

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"Mr. Larkins’ liquor licenses and permits have been suspended since April 30, 2018 —for 85 days — for failing to submit MLCC fines. There have been multiple incidents of the Mr. Larkins failing to cooperate with law enforcement, or with the MLCC, during investigations occurring on the premises. The licensee failed to demonstrate policies and procedures for prevention of selling to minors," the release said.

In a statement, MLCC Chairman Andy Deloney said its the commission's job to make sure the health, safety and welfare of the public is protected.

"It is unacceptable that the licensee showed no willingness to take these matters seriously. The record of irresponsible actions by the licensee is lengthy, and we had no confidence that the licensee takes these matters seriously or would prevent future violations in his establishment," Deloney said.

Passersby on Michigan Avenue will notice that St. Brigid's Bathtub Pub is shuttered.

Contact Aleanna Siacon: ASiacon@freepress.com. Follow her on Twitter: @AleannaSiacon.