The Corner Pocket Lounge has a reputation for being the bad boy on the block.
Since the bar on the corner of Randolph and Union Streets opened in 1992, area residents have complained about noise, public drinking and fights. "Every weekend people have difficulty going down the street," said Viola Richardson, Ward F councilwoman.
Following a shootout outside the bar on Nov. 25 that left a former Jersey City resident dead and two people injured, the constant cries of local residents were set to be reviewed at an emergency Alcohol Control Board meeting on Friday. Occurring at 2 a.m., the shootout involved two or three gunmen, according to First Assistant Prosecutor Terrence Hull. Although the police have estimated over that 50 people were outside the bar at the time, no suspects have been caught.
"I don’t know if there’s any connection between the shooting and the bar itself," Hull said.
However, area residents, Richardson and Mayor Glenn Cunningham have said that the shooting represents the hazardous presence the bar has created for the neighborhood.
After receiving 300 calls for service at the bar for the past two years, police officials agree. An ongoing police investigation has charged the Corner Pocket Lounge with numerous violations on four different occasions since April. Ranging from unlicensed employees to allowing customers to drink outside, the list of violations shows how the bar has neglected to correct its faults over a long period of time.
The most serious charge was issued on July 2. The bar was charged with "allowing, permitting or suffering the licensed premise to be conducted in such a manner as to become a nuisance," according to police records.
If punished, this won’t be the first time. The three-member ABC board has previously issued a two-day suspension and a 10-day suspension in 1997 for similar violations.
Officials claim that the bar’s lack of accountability stems from its multiple ownership status. According to the license, issued for the Real Deal Social Club, the bar is owned by 10 people.
Although the shooting prompted the emergency meeting, police officials said it would not be included amongst the charges being brought against the bar.
Richardson, alongside the A.G.R.U.B. Block Association – comprised of Arlington, Garfield, Randolph, Union, and Bramhall streets – intended to voice their complaints at the meeting in an attempt to have the bar closed.
"This is not personal for me," Richardson said. "My constituents are unhappy."
Cunningham has taken it personally, saying he initially wanted to close the bar immediately after the shooting. "I wanted the ABC to padlock the bar," Cunningham said. "I feel like we’re in a state of war."
After discussing it with corporate counsel, Cunningham decided the ABC Board was the right channel to exercise this power. "We can’t do it the way I wanted to do it," he said, adding, "counsel advised me we can convene an emergency meeting with the ABC squad, and I’m pretty sure they’re going to close that bar now."
Normally, the ABC board meets on the third Tuesday of every month. Aside from taking disciplinary action against licensed people charged with violations, the board handles the acquisition and transfer of liquor licenses.
"We haven’t held many emergency meetings," said Maureen Corcoran, ABC board chairperson. "When the quality of life is being jeopardized, we want to make sure that area residents aren’t disturbed."
At the meeting, the board intended to hear testimony from the police, elected officials, neighborhood residents and owners or legal representatives from the bar. The board normally uses a method of progressive discipline against licensees in violation of the rules and regulations, increasing the degree of punishment for repeat offenders.
The results of the meeting were not available at press time. If the board chose to suspend the bar’s license, the owners have a right to appeal to the state. If they exercise this right successfully, Jersey City law officials must go to Trenton and present its case so immediate action is taken, police officials said.
The Hudson Reporter was not able to contact various people listed as owners of the bar. Phone numbers given to the Division of Commerce were out of service or wrong numbers. Robert Pentangelo, listed as the bar’s attorney on the license, did not return phone calls.