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For the third time in four years, the liquor license of a nightclub at the location of 103 Ultra Lounge has been called into question by the Orono Town Council.
In November 2006, the council unanimously rejected Ushuaia’s request for a renewal of its liquor license, citing the 46 incidents of violence at the club that year as its reason. In February 2007, the space was leased by former Ushuaia disc jockey Robbie Snow and the club was relaunched as 103 Ultra Lounge.
The council’s initially warm welcome of Snow soon soured. In 2009, Snow’s club was in danger of losing its license again, after a police report detailed 149 incidents in the two years since 103 had opened.
Snow was taken aback at the report but quickly put together a plan of action that pleased the council and involved increased security, employee training and surveillance.
A mere two months after the council renewed 103’s liquor license, Snow faced criminal charges after a routine compliance check by local law enforcement revealed 845 patrons in the club, which only has a capacity of 526.
The council cited familiar reasons in its most recent rejection of the club’s liquor license: excessive violence, extreme intoxication and noncompliance with stated plans and license requirements.
Other establishments in Orono serve alcohol without encountering the same licensing or police troubles 103 has experienced.
In the past, The Maine Campus editorial board has been supportive of Ushuaia and 103 Ultra Lounge in the controversies that have surrounded them. But after three years of continued problems despite Snow’s promises and plans, we think it is time to stop the problems — by permanently removing 103’s license.
The club’s atmosphere encourages excessive drinking, and both Orono and UMaine would be better off if the bars of 103 closed for good.
Bangor Daily News