Albany Armory Loses License
Authorities have suspended the liquor license of the Washington Avenue Armory in Albany, N.Y., following a recent incident in which several concertgoers were treated for stabbing injuries.
The New York State Liquor Authority charged the venue with violations including operating a disorderly premises, assault and unregistered security staff, WRGB-TV reported.
Authority chair Dennis Rosen told WRGB the Armory’s management and security staff “demonstrated complete ineffectiveness in controlling their crowds. … Unfortunately, as last weekend’s violence wasn’t an isolated incident, the SLA is compelled to take emergency action today to protect the safety of patrons, police officers and residents.”
The venue responded in a statement that it will work to address the issues cited in the liquor authority’s decision to revoke the license.
“Through cooperation with state and city authorities, the Armory has been working to resolve management and security concerns to ensure patrons’ safety is held at the utmost importance,” the statement said. “During this time, the Armory will continue to discuss and review improvements to arena operations and will provide a more comprehensive update in the near future.”
This isn’t the first time the Armory has faced scrutiny for violence. City officials ordered the venue in 2012 to stop hosting events for about a month after a dance party turned violent. Concerts were allowed to resume after the Armory agreed to restrict its floor capacity.
