Paul Bass File Photo
Three New Haven police officers were working the door at Toad’s Place on Saturday night. Eight other cops showed up later — to bust Toad’s for serving booze to minors.
According to the state Liquor Control Commission, two minors were found drinking inside the downtown nightclub on Saturday night. The bar was raided after undercover agents spotted what appeared to be teenagers being served alcohol.
The incident came amid increased scrutiny of the presence of minors in downtown bars. Alderwoman Jackie James last week proposed a policy that would end underage nights at city taverns. That proposal would put Toad’s out of business, said the bar’s owner, Brian Phelps.
Here’s what happened on Saturday night, according to John Suchy, head of liquor control:
It was a 19+ Saturday Dance Night at Toad’s. Following up on reports that the bar was serving minors, Suchy sent four undercover agents in at 10 p.m. The agents saw a number of people drinking who appeared underage. At 11:30 p.m., nine liquor control agents and eight police officers raided the bar. They found a 20-year-old and a 19-year-old in possession of alcohol.
One of the underage bargoers was so intoxicated he had to be hospitalized, Suchy said.
Toad’s faces administrative action by the liquor commission, Suchy said. The commission could decide to issue a warning, or to suspend or revoke the bar’s liquor permit.
Toad’s owner Brian Phelps said on Monday that the underage drinkers had fake IDs.
“We checked all IDs that night, as always,” Phelps said. “People over 21 got a wristband. All the IDs, both front and back, are recorded on DVDs and saved. I can use those recordings as defense, if needed.”
Saturday was not the first night Toad’s has been busted for serving to minors. The bar was found with 87 underage drinkers inside on a Saturday in 2005.