Public hearing for Fuse Box cabaret license closed after applicant no-show

Albany City Clerk Shaniqua Jackson called to order a public hearing at 4:02 p.m. on the application for a new cabaret license for Always Outside LLC, known as the Fuse Box, at 12 Central Avenue and later closed the hearing after the applicant did not appear.

The hearing drew a single public commenter, Tierra Fryer of 28 Dove Street, who described the Fuse Box as a longtime neighborhood venue for music, poetry and dance and said the applicant, Craig Early (also known as DJ TGIF), "has been involved in the community for more than 10 years" and would "keep open a safe space where all walks of life can join in for a night of entertainment." Jackson said the applicant had not arrived and that city departments would continue their review.

The application filed by Always Outside LLC lists operating hours as Monday–Wednesday, noon–midnight; Thursday–Saturday, noon–2 a.m.; and Sunday, noon–midnight. The applicant reported an interior area of about 2,800 square feet and an expected number of attendees per event of 50 to 300 persons, while the application also lists a maximum occupancy of 55 persons. The application indicates alcohol will be served and includes a New York State liquor license that expires May 31, 2025, and a public assembly certificate of inspection with an expiration date of Oct. 9, 2025. The applicant stated they would staff five security personnel during hours of operation; city staff said they will follow up to clarify whether those will be employees of the establishment or a contracted security firm.

City staff noted that the Albany Police Department provided a premises history report for the location, which has been included with the application file. Jackson said representatives from Albany Police Department, the office of Corporation Counsel, the Planning Department, Building and Regulatory Compliance, the Albany Fire Department and Common Council member Joyce Love will each receive copies of the application and supporting documents for their consideration. Jackson also instructed the applicant to keep the public notice and the cabaret ordinance posted at the premises until a final determination is made.

Because the applicant was not present, no final action on the cabaret license was taken at the hearing. Jackson closed the public hearing at 4:16 p.m. and recorded that the matter remains under administrative review by the listed city departments.