More News

The Prince George's County Liquor Board allowed the transfer of a license at Rio Sports Bar & Grille in Laurel last week, despite warnings from local officials and community members who were against the decision because of the site's history of violent incidents.

The board's July 28 decision allows new owner Tak Yoon to set up a sports bar at the former location of one of the more troubled business sites in South Laurel.

"The community and I thought the license should not have been transferred, because [they can't] come in as a bar and pretend to be a family-friendly sit-down restaurant and things will work out," said Garold Stone, the coordinator of the South Laurel Community Association Leaders network, a coalition of approximately 20 community groups.

Residents initially became concerned after two homicides in 2005 and 2007 at J's Sports Cafe, a dance club in the Crystal Plaza shopping center in South Laurel. Club Amazon, located at Route 1 and Contee Road, was another problem spot where numerous incidents of disturbances and loitering, including a non-fatal shooting, were reported in 2006 before it was forced to sell its liquor license that year to Rio's owner Sung H. Lee.

"This is a location that there have been problems with for a long time," said Sen. James C. Rosapepe (D-Dist. 21) of College Park. "The surrounding communities have been very active in stopping the programs and encouraging them to have a family-style restaurant."

Rosapepe and the 21st Delegation Dels. Joseline Pena-Melnyk and Ben Barnes of College Park, and Barbara Frush of Beltsville, opposed the transfer.

Some of the restrictions kept in place with the transfer include additional security on Friday and Saturday nights, no live entertainment, dancing or large events and a requirement that more food must be sold than alcohol.

Rosapepe said the community has to be very vigilant to ensure that the restrictions are aggressively enforced.

The liquor board has ordered an evaluation in six months.

"We're concerned that even if there are no shootings that these restrictions not be lifted because the owner wants live bands and patron dancing," Stone said. "This does not bode well for the peace and safety of the community."

Pastor Wale Maye from the Touch of Love Bible Church, which is located next to Rio, has been following the issue closely for the past several years, because of the potential impact on the community.

"I have my own suspicions down the road it will take a turn that is not good for the community," Maye said. "The clientele is not good for the community."

E-mail Tiffany March at tmarch@gazette.net.