Liquor Problems Stifle Series

Reeling from the loss of its major sponsor and alcohol permit, the promoter of a free summer concert series near Niagara, N.Y., has canceled two remaining shows featuring Loverboy and Rik Emmett.

What was called the Labatt Blue Light Concert Series ran throughout the summer at Gateway Harbor Park in Tonawanda until underage police decoys were served alcohol during a July 26 show, according to the Buffalo News. The state liquor board revoked the liquor license of Concerts Plus of western New York during another concert a week later.

Labatt then pulled its support of the series and a scheduled Bruce Hornsby performance was moved to Buffalo’s Town Ballroom. But efforts to secure a new sponsor proved fruitless, as Concert Plus’ Vincent Lesh explained in a statement.

“For the past two weeks we have been working diligently with our attorneys, the City of North Tonawanda, potential new sponsors, and local businesses trying to find a way to still make these last two concerts work,” Lesh said.

“Unfortunately, due to the massive financial loss incurred at the August 2 concert, our main sponsor pulling out of the series, and no beer permit in hand, we have been left with no other option except cancellation.”

Other free weekday concerts scheduled at Gateway Park are expected to continue, the Buffalo News reported.