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WHEATFIELD: JT Wheatfields dry, for now, after liquor license suspensionSep 18, 2009 (Lockport Union-Sun & Journal - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- The State Liquor Authority on Wednesday suspended the liquor license at JT Wheatfields, the popular restaurant whose co-owner was arrested in July on drug trafficking charges. For now, no alcoholic drinks can be served at the 6935 Ward Road business, SLA Spokesman Bill Crowley said. Joseph Tomasino, 44, a co-owner of the establishment, was arrested July 30, along with more than 20 other local individuals in Erie and Niagara counties. His arrest was related to what federal investigators call a "wide-ranging drug trafficking operation." That investigation is still ongoing, and Tomasino has since pleaded not guilty. Crowley said the license was summarily suspended by the authority's members at a meeting of the full board Wednesday. "Obviously, we're concerned when any of our licensees are breaking the law," he said. "We did a summary suspension of the license, based on the drug trafficking that allegedly happened at the bar." Based on the authority's communication with the Federal Bureau of Investigation -- which, along with state and local authorities executed some 15 raids in July -- the decision stems from alleged storing and trafficking of cocaine at JT Wheatfields beginning in 2005. A news release accompanying the decision, however, makes clear the suspension "is not a final determination on the merits of the case." "By suspending this license, the members of the State Liquor Authority sent a clear message that criminal behavior will not be tolerated in licensed establishments," authority CEO Trina Mead said in the news release. Officials seized computers from JT Wheatfields. Tomasino has been accused of working as a cocaine supplier for the alleged ringleader of the operation, Keith Simmons, 31, of Grand Island, who was also arrested the same day. The authority typically acts based on information provided by law enforcement officials. Its job is to regulate all manufacturing, sale and distribution of alcoholic beverages throughout the state. Tomasino is entitled to a hearing involving the liquor authority. The suspension remains in effect until it is modified by the authority or a reviewing court, which may hinge on the outcome of his criminal case. Restaurant management could not be reached by phone Thursday, although one employee admitted not being aware of the suspension, suggesting the business may continue serving food in the absence of alcohol, pending further notice. Contact reporter Neale Gulley at 693-1000, ext. 114. To see more of the Lockport Union-Sun & Journal or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.lockportjournal.com/. Copyright (c) 2009, Lockport Union-Sun & Journal, N.Y. Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services. For reprints, email [email protected], call 800-374-7985 or 847-635-6550, send a fax to 847-635-6968, or write to The Permissions Group Inc., 1247 Milwaukee Ave., Suite 303, Glenview, IL 60025, USA. |