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New Haven leaders push state to tighten 'juice bar' rules after late‑night violence and strain on services
Summary
City leaders and residents told the Public Safety and Security Committee that 18+ "juice bar" events downtown are tied to repeated liquor violations, mass crowding and late‑night violence; they urged SB408 changes to restrict underage capacity, improve inspection and registration, and give cities stronger enforcement tools.
The Public Safety and Security Committee heard extensive testimony about Senate Bill 408 on Thursday, with New Haven officials and residents urging the Legislature to tighten state rules they say allow 'juice bars'—events that admit people under 21 into alcohol‑serving cafes—to operate in ways that spill disorder onto city streets.
Mayor Justin Elicker of New Haven told the committee that the bill’s proposals—including registration, fire‑safety inspections and a cap on underage attendance—are intended to curb behavior that has cost the city substantial police, fire and public‑works resources. "These events draw thousands of young people", he said, and when they “spill into the streets” they create fights, assaults and heavy calls for service that local departments must…
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