Albany City clerk opens, then closes, public hearing on new cabaret license for The Larkin after applicant fails to appear

City Clerk Shaniqua Jackson opened a public hearing April 2, 2025, on a new cabaret license application for an establishment identified in the application as The Larkin (listed in the transcript as “Larkin Hi Fi”) at 199 Lark Street in Albany, ZIP code 12210, and closed the hearing after the applicant did not appear.

Jackson said the notice of the public hearing was sent April 2, 2025, to the establishment, the property owner and owners within a 100-foot radius. “At this time, the owner of the establishment has not arrived,” Jackson said. She reviewed the application on the record and allowed a brief pause to give the applicant time to arrive before closing the hearing.

The clerk reviewed the application’s key details on the record: the applicant is Erin Wilson; the proposed location of entertainment is indoors with interior dimensions listed as 20 by 70 feet; expected attendance per event is up to 150 people; alcohol will be served; and the application included a New York State Liquor Authority permit that expires Oct. 31, 2026.

Officials also recorded building and safety documents submitted with the application: a certificate of occupancy dated July 26, 2024, and a public assembly certificate of inspection valid through July 25, 2025. The application lists proposed hours of operation as Monday–Thursday from 5 p.m. to midnight and Friday–Saturday from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m., with the business closed on Sundays. The application lists entertainment on Friday and Saturday from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. Security staffing was listed as two persons for peak days; the application text also referenced soundproofing measures described as a 2‑inch wall with a 6‑inch air gap, ceiling clouds and acoustic panels.

Jackson said the application package includes a premise history report provided by the Albany Police Department. Because the applicant did not attend, Jackson said the clerk’s office will forward the application and supporting materials to the Albany Police Department, the Law Department, the Planning Department, the Department of Building and Regulatory Compliance, the Albany Fire Department and the city’s common council member Richard Conte for review. After those departments provide determinations, Jackson said she will issue a written decision to the applicant.

The public hearing was recessed for roughly five minutes to allow the applicant time to arrive; when the applicant had not appeared by 4:21 p.m., Jackson closed the hearing and recorded that the application will proceed to departmental review. “At this time, the time is now 04:22, and I deem this public hearing to be closed,” Jackson said.

No formal vote or licensing decision was made at the hearing; the clerk’s final decision will follow receipt of departmental reviews.