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The Orono Town Council’s indefinite suspension of the liquor and special amusement license for nightclub Ushuaia was a surprise to many University of Maine students returning from winter break.
Earlier this month Alexander Gray, owner of the local hotspot, made his annual application to the town for a liquor, special amusement and food license. In a unanimous vote, the council denied all but the food license because of the increased severity of violent incidents at the nightclub during the past year.
The severity of incidents rather than the number convinced council members that something needed to be done, according to town Councilor Mark Haggerty, an economics professor at UMaine.
“There’s enough of a record to show there’s a problem, and it’s [the Town Council's] responsibility to respond to that,” said Haggerty. “We believe in living in a peaceful, cooperative and cohesive community.”
Recently the state issued an extension that allowed the club to operate until a public hearing is held. The liquor license was set to expire on Feb. 11, and the special amusement license on Feb. 28. Such extensions can be given by the state if the business does not have a bad track record. In eight years, Ushuaia has never had a single license violation, according to Glen Porter, Gray’s attorney.
Despite feelings from the students that the council is targeting them by taking away one of the few local venues of its kind, council members say they are only looking out for the safety of the nightclub’s patrons.
“I certainly remember what it’s like to have a good time,” said Geoffrey Gordon, Town Council chairman. “I think young people everywhere need a venue to have a good time. It’s absurd to believe that the Orono Town Council does not want young people to have fun.”
Many students are not convinced and believe that the situation is a result of misrepresentation of their wishes in a town where they make up 50 percent of the population.
Last week, UMaine Student Government passed three resolutions in support of Ushuaia and on behalf of the 9,000 students and eligible voters they represent. Two of the resolutions charged the council with misrepresenting the views of students who wish to attend the nightclub and brought forth the concern for safety issues concerning students being forced to travel farther for amusement or attending unsecured venues.
“Student Government is looking at this from a student safety aspect,” said Jesse Ouellette, president of the Off-Campus Board. It is possible that students will now be partying at unlicensed parties. I personally feel safe at Ushuaia.”
The third resolution instructed Student Government President Brigham McNaughton to work with the university and town officials to resolve a conflict of dates between Orono Town Council elections and spring break.
Student Government believes Ushuaia’s permit denial is the result of the student voice not being heard in the town. If the elections were held while classes were in session, more students would likely vote for candidates who would represent their needs.
The council based its decision on reports presented by Orono Deputy Police Chief Gary Duquette. In the last year, 47 assaults and two unrelated stabbings took place. One of the stabbing incidents resulted in the death of a man from an asthma attack while in custody.
Gray said he has done all he can to protect his patrons and has always had their safety as his top priority. He has currently trained his staff to use metal-detector wands, confiscating many potentially harmful items such as knives and even a key chain that was sharp enough to be dangerous in a fight.
The procedural search also prevents patrons from bringing in their own alcohol and cuts down on the possibility for underage drinking in the establishment.
Gray’s staff has done a good job identifying fake identifications as well as increasing safety by putting a high-tech surveillance system in place, according to Duquette at the council meeting.
“I think it would benefit the council to come in and visit the establishment,” said Gray. “We’ve been encouraging them to visit for years, but they haven’t. Ushuaia is extremely safe when you get right down to it in comparison to what we could have.”
