It’s safe to say several University students have experienced the unique atmosphere Chelsea’s Cafe offers.The music, the food, the people — Chelsea’s has it all.But a recent dispute between the establishment and the state’s Alcohol and Tobacco Control board could put all that in danger.Judge Trudy White concluded at a hearing Tuesday that the restaurant could not sell alcohol until the full-length hearing — scheduled for Monday — decides whether the ATC board has a case against Chelsea’s.The restaurant’s liquor license was pulled April 21, and owner Dave Remmetter filed a complaint for a temporary freezing on the state’s suspension.The ATC initially cited Remmetter in January for operating as a bar with a restaurant license.Details of everything that has happened since are sketchy. But one thing is certain — the ones hurt most by the dispute are employees and patrons.Remmetter said all the restaurant’s bartenders were taken off the schedule this week.And we all know how much money can be made in bartending. Workers shouldn’t be the ones affected by a few possible mistakes made by others — mistakes those employees couldn’t control.One of the best things about Chelsea’s is the mood the restaurant provides. It lacks the fever pitch and hectic pace of the Tigerland and downtown areas. And that’s a good thing.The dispute between the state and Chelsea’s needs to be resolved as soon as possible.–Contact the Editorial Board at [email protected]
Our View: ATC, Chelsea Cafe’s dispute hurts employees, patrons
April 27, 2009