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08/15/2022 10:15 AMThe Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) has suspended the liquor permit for BullsEye Billiards & Bar following a fatal shooting in the early morning hours of Aug. 6.
DCP Commissioner Michelle H. Seagull signed a summary suspension of the permit on Aug. 9. With the suspension, the bar must remain closed until further notice. It voluntarily closed its doors immediately following the shooting.
Police were called to the bar at 655 Main Streeet, on Aug. 6 at approximately 1:36 a.m. on a report of a shooting. Upon arrival, police determined that an altercation inside the bar turned physical and ultimately lead to the shooting. Two victims were located and treated by personnel from the East Haven Fire Department before being transported to Yale New Haven Hospital. One victim, identified by police as Julius Bolden-Lowe, 25 of Southington, later died at the hospital.
In a letter to DCP requesting suspension of the bar’s license, East Haven Police Chief Edward Lennon Jr. described a “pattern of incidents involving violent behavior” at the premise dating back to June 6, 2021 including a double stabbing. During this period, Chief Lennon noted 62 additional case numbers representing times that police officers were assigned to the premise at closing time “in an effort to deter illegal and/or violent activity.”
The establishment’s permit was first issued by DCP on June 13, 2001, and has been renewed annually. The current permit is set to expire on Feb. 11, 2023.
“My condolences go out to the friends and family members who lost a loved one in this unfortunate incident,” said Seagull. “It is clear from repeated incidents that this premise is not operating in a way that prioritizes the health and safety of its customers, neighbors, and community. Thank you to the East Haven Police Department for their investigation into this most recent incident. Immediate suspension and closure of this establishment is necessary to prevent any additional violent incidents.”
Dave and Rosa Clough issued a statement on the bar’s Facebook page on Aug. 8, explaining their decision to voluntarily close.
“We have remained closed in order to consult with various security experts and to take the immediate actions necessary in order to provide a safer environment for everyone,” they wrote. “Our family has worked tirelessly during the past five years to make this a friendly environment for everyone. We appreciate your continued support and your trust in us that these new security measures will keep everyone safe.”