It’s been just over a week since the windows at Columbia City mainstay Angie’s Tavern went dark. As first reported by Seattle Crime, the state liquor control board opted not to renew the bar’s liquor license. That license expired on June 20. But that doesn’t necessarily mean that the taps will be dry forever.Angie’s’ now-expired license is held by a corporation owned by Woo Yong “Andy” Lee. Reached by phone, Lee says he won’t be appealing the liquor board’s decision. With over two years left on his contract with the property management company that actually owns the bar, he’s now fishing for someone interested in assuming the lease. If he’s successful, a new operator could apply for their own liquor license and reopen the bar, he says. That may not come as good news to Seattle police, or the Columbia City residents that have long complained about incidents of drug dealing, prostitution and gunplay they say occur in and around Angie’s. Last year, the City of Seattle sent a letter to the state liquor control board urging them not to renew Lee’s license, noting the frequency of calls for police service associated with the bar.Still, anyone interested in taking over the space that currently houses Angie’s would do well to consult with the city first. According to liquor control, city officials will be able to weigh in on the application of whomever decides to open a bar there. If the city feels that there are issues with the location, like, say, that it’s a breeding ground for low level crime, then it can object.
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