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Albany board denies new off-premise liquor license after community safety concerns
Summary
The Authority voted to deny an application for a new off-premise liquor license for 918 Albany Street after neighbors cited public-safety concerns and a recent arrest linked to a different nearby store. Commissioners said the applicant’s failure to report the arrest and multiple resident protests weighed against finding public convenience and advantage.
Neighbors and the Authority’s licensing staff told the board that the proposed Albany Street Liquor location drew numerous protest letters citing public-safety issues in the surrounding blocks. Lisa Houston, representing applicant Mathahar Ismail, said Mr. Ismail owns and has renovated a nearby convenience store and has a long licensing history. She told the board his attorney has footage that the arrest cited by objectors was a misidentification.
Commissioners pressed on the financing and whether the area met the public-convenience standard. After a brief conference with counsel, commissioners concluded the cumulative record — multiple resident protests, concerns about public safety, and the applicant’s failure to report a recent arrest on a related license — did not support the public‑convenience finding. Commissioner De Leon stated he could not approve the application "because it does reflect on his character and fitness that he did not report that." The board voted to deny the license application.
