Church files objection to liquor license request for El Tucan
Tuesday, September 9, 2008 11:31 PM PDT
By Thacher Schmid
Printable version
E-mail this articleThe storefront at 404 S. Pacific Ave. in Kelso looks unused. Behind its dusty display windows, dozens of chairs are piled up. There’s no sign. In fact, the address isn’t even visible.
Yet Pastor Leonid Pisarchuk’s Kelso Church of Truth, a 40-member congregation that meets there, filed an Aug. 18 objection to the liquor license application for El Tucan, a Latin-themed restaurant-nightclub across the street.
That objection could derail the club’s reopening, even though El Tucan has the City of Kelso’s blessing as it seeks state Liquor Control Board approval.
“I have young men and boys in my youth group who grew up in that area, and it’ll come from their mouth, that this business is nothing but trouble,” Pisarchuk said Monday. “We just happen to be right across the street, and I’m just raising my voice and saying no, I guess.”
Antonio Aguilar, the Longview businessman who wants to reopen El Tucan, said he plans to call Pisarchuk to talk it over, but he believes as long as a business follows the rules, it should be allowed to open.
“There’s other bars around there,” Aguilar said. “I think it’s bad what they’re doing, because we all have the right to do our own thing.”
In July, the city dropped its opposition and endorsed Aguilar’s revised application to reopen El Tucan after Aguilar changed his business plan to ensure minors are not allowed after 10 p.m.
Under its previous ownership, El Tucan closed in 2007 after numerous complaints about underage drinking and a citation, plus several brawls and minor crimes. Aguilar, the owner of the Longview grocery store El Tigre, first applied for a liquor license in May, and the Kelso Church of Truth objected then.
Last week, Aguilar received a letter from the Washington State Liquor Control Board explaining that Pisarchuk’s church is now objecting to the revised application as well. Aguilar, the letter states, has until Sept. 14 to convince the church to change its mind or send his application to be decided by the full board.
The objection raises the possibility that the application could be denied even with the city’s blessing. Liquor Control Board spokeswoman Anne Radford said in July that the state liquor board “almost never goes against the local (municipal) authority.”
An uneasy coexistence
The block in downtown Kelso is home to other businesses that serve hard liquor, including the Maltese Bar & Grill and El Charrito. It’s also the meeting spot for several small faith-based groups, including Iglesia de Dios, High Praises Fellowship and at least one Alcoholics Anonymous group.
The Church of Truth used to be located in the Victory Center, next door to El Tucan. After it closed, Pisarchuk said, the church borrowed space before returning two months ago to its present location.
Radford said the church’s objection makes Aguilar’s revised application to the liquor board “controversial.” The fact that the church moved off the block for a period of time during the application “will be noted” by the board, but it will not change the application’s status.
The owners of two nearby businesses who opposed Aguilar’s original application in May say they would like to see El Tucan reopened under its revised plan.
“I don’t see any reason why they should be able to keep them from getting their business,” said Robin Stout, who owns Fringe, a vintage clothing store.
“I think any businessman that can open a business down here should be able to,” said John Patterson, owner of Metro Tackle & More. “We need all the help we can get.”
Attempts to contact representatives of High Praises Fellowship and Iglesia de Dios by phone or in person were unsuccessful Monday afternoon.
Related articles:
Revised El Tucan business model gets warm reception from council (July 17)
Kelso pans bid for El Tucan liquor license (June 19)
Market owner hoping to revive Kelso's El Tucan (May 23)
98626 wrote on Sep 10, 2008 5:44 AM:
" El Tucan building had been a bar for many, many, years. Does anyone remember Hales Tavern? Does anyone know how many years Hale's Tavern was in business there? Or the Corner Tavern, or the Office Tavern? What about Peters? Kelso is dying...let El Tucan wake it up...give people a place to go. "
dudester50 wrote on Sep 10, 2008 7:29 AM:
" We have already let churches have way too much influence on our lives and politics. They should take care of their business and stay out of other peoples business, let them open! "
red3953 wrote on Sep 10, 2008 7:51 AM:
" And again, there are more important things to worry about in the city, state & world. "
concerned wrote on Sep 10, 2008 8:01 AM:
" Why do church groups always have to stick their noses where they dont belong. Since when did a store front become a church? I think this is stupid that they have to try and stop a man from his dreams of opening a bar just because they say their part of a church. I think the city should say they cannot call themselves a church until they build a building specifically to worship in!! "
Old Bag wrote on Sep 10, 2008 8:58 AM:
" Why doesn't the restaurant and "church" just agree that the restaurant will be closed until Sunday afternoon? Let the "church" meet in the morning. "
131941 wrote on Sep 10, 2008 9:09 AM:
" To 98626 yes I remember Hales Tavern and the rest. Going back further Links Ice Cream across the street. Kelso does need somthing to WAKE it up. Wake up Kelso , "
louie wrote on Sep 10, 2008 9:31 AM:
" Let's see, a congregation of 40 in some store front has the ability to stop an enterprising man and his family, hard working people, from opening their second business? This is simply not right. Maybe I don't want some 'out there' church in my neighborhood, do I have a right to stop them from having services next door to me?
The "religious" folks that are opening their "churches" up in downtown, on every street corner and grade school in town is offensive to me. Do I have the right to stop them?
Maybe they should just pray that Mr. Aguilar has a successful business instead of trying to stop him. "
The "religious" folks that are opening their "churches" up in downtown, on every street corner and grade school in town is offensive to me. Do I have the right to stop them?
Maybe they should just pray that Mr. Aguilar has a successful business instead of trying to stop him. "
pangborn wrote on Sep 10, 2008 9:50 AM:
" I think the church should be the one to close. I think their God licence should be revoked. "
Grandmother wrote on Sep 10, 2008 9:57 AM:
" I applaud the Church for taking a stand in their belief. Go God!! "
pilaf wrote on Sep 10, 2008 10:05 AM:
" This is silly. It's as if they are afraid their church members will wander randomly into any door in the neighborhood, be seduced by the alcohol and stop going to church. How do bars or restaurants that serve alcohol hurt churches? If that were true, then the bars/restaurants could object to store front "churches" opening in their neighborhood and potentially influencing their business as well. "
Old Bag wrote on Sep 10, 2008 10:24 AM:
" Grandmother: What belief? How does this infringe on what they are doing? What a great opportunity to be a good example and to reach people. God by His own words was here for the sinner not the saved. "
Zoey wrote on Sep 10, 2008 11:03 AM:
" There is talk about bringing "new life" to the Kelso downtown area. I have lived in this area my whole life and have seen the decline first hand, neighborhoods going from bad to worse. It is not more bars that are needed, the Victory Center moved in to that area and created a place for kids to go, got them in off the street and out of trouble. It has served hundreds of meals to anyone who is hungry. It has served the community by helping alcoholics and drug addicts overcome addiction. The people there have counseled families toward restoration and provided a hand up to those in need.
The victory center is serving the residents of Kelso, providing for needs, and instilling a spark of hope for a better lifeHonestly will another bar do the same? "
The victory center is serving the residents of Kelso, providing for needs, and instilling a spark of hope for a better lifeHonestly will another bar do the same? "
mkb617 wrote on Sep 10, 2008 11:53 AM:
" I believe that this business should be able to open but i also agree the church as does everyone else should have a right to have their voices heard. I also would like to comment on what red3953 said " And again, there are more important things to worry about in the city, state & world. " you say this yet you take the time to make a comment on something that others do find important? why waste your time? "
joycenanajh wrote on Sep 10, 2008 12:07 PM:
" If the Church is so Holy why do the members after Church go to the Restaurants to have brunch and have champagne with it. I have worked a numerous places and always wondered how people who go to church and then go have drinks with their brunch or meals. Besides just because there was problems before doesn't mean that it will happen again. Mr Aguilar has tried to make it so it won't happen again I know because I am the future manager of the El Tucan,
Also the Victory Center is no longer there its a martial arts acadmey. The church arcross the street wasn't there when he applied for the license. Let him have the license. Give him a chance to prove his self "
Also the Victory Center is no longer there its a martial arts acadmey. The church arcross the street wasn't there when he applied for the license. Let him have the license. Give him a chance to prove his self "
Gondolapete wrote on Sep 10, 2008 12:15 PM:
" Let em have their license, they will be closed down within 6 months anyway. "
fringe wrote on Sep 10, 2008 12:32 PM:
" I own Fringe Vintage and have been here 4 years. I don't actually want a bar right across the street. However, churches in retail store fronts do nothing to help me stay in business. Plus this is a restaurant not just a bar. As long as the owners are responsible owners and keep things patrons under control, I do not object to the opening. I do wish the church would find another location so an actual business has the opportunity to locate downtown to help with the revitalization. We need more businesses that bring in customers. Church is "open" when we are closed. "
Beer&Skittles wrote on Sep 10, 2008 12:51 PM:
" People don't understand how inapporpriate it is to have churches in downtowns. 1) they are tax exempt and don't provide tax $s to offset all yours. 2) they are only open very limited hours, and otherwise do not provide traffic to enhance businesses who have made their investments in downtown, including the investment in employees, 3) it's ESSENTIAL that each location in a downtown bring in their own traffic, thereby enhancing the traffic into others' businesses, and vice versa. THE CHURCH HAS NO RIGHT DOWNTOWN. PERIOD. "
DUH wrote on Sep 10, 2008 12:54 PM:
" Go ahead let them open. It seem like the only type of business Kelso can attract any more are drinking establishments. "
kelsograd wrote on Sep 10, 2008 12:56 PM:
" Maybe this would be a good time for all the small storefront churches to band together and purchase the empty Sinnet's Grocery in west Kelso and make one large congregation. Strength in numbers "
joycenanajh wrote on Sep 10, 2008 1:04 PM:
" To all the store patrons and people who want to revitalize downtown Kelso. Write, or call and voice your opinion. This one little church is holding up the whole process of getting a business open. We are not only going to have live entertainment but we will offer another place for groups. This building has so much potential to be successful. It just needs the right management and staff to make it work. Maybe the Church pastor should talk with Antonio. He might find out he is very sincere in this endenvore "
Rosey Glasses wrote on Sep 10, 2008 1:17 PM:
" I say let the place open. Kelso has gone to the dogs since they took out downtown for their bridge! OH yeah... what I want to see when I go downtown some small town is a church that serves free meals during the day when people are shopping, panhandlers out there trying to bum a few coins for a drink!! It is a needed thing, but it should not ne on a main street! Churches shold be in churches not a store front like in the big city wino areas. Grief. I think that because the church decided to come back after the application for license was submitted... they should have no say on it.. it was in the process before they moved in. What are they moving in to stop the El Tucan? is this on purpose? give me a break.... There is really nothing left in down town except a hardware store! Gone are all the cool establishments that made Kelso a nice place to live. OH well Big business and big government got what they wanted... the little shops are a thing of the past! "
loudly wrote on Sep 10, 2008 1:47 PM:
" Yeah, Kelso needs a Wake Up! Let's open the 501st Mexican restaurant. Now that's innovation! Not only open another mexican restaurant-Let's open one with a bar for the exciting nightlife it will bring to Kelso. WOOHOO! Oh, btw how many people here were opposed to the new "italian" (i mean pizza joint) going in off of West main. Weren't there a ton of people panning that idea do to the fact it included a bar/"party" atmosphere? "
joycenanajh wrote on Sep 10, 2008 2:01 PM:
" Hey TDN Bad boy it won't be a tavern. It will be a Mexican/American Restuarant. Kelsograd. Good Idea on combining the small hole in the wall churches. They should be else where. These are people who are not affilated with any one church or were unhappy witht the church of their fathers. I agree with pangborn. Let them apply for their God license. It doesn't make the church any more holy they will problably come in and eat lunch or dinner. They do not have to drink alcohol. No one is telling them they have to. Give them a chance to get open and prove their selves. "
DaCoug wrote on Sep 10, 2008 2:31 PM:
" Whatever happened to a seperation between church and state. Let the gentleman open his business and then if it is a problem there is a process to complain "
Just4Thought wrote on Sep 10, 2008 2:41 PM:
" Please!!!! This is waisting time there is one tavern around the corner and this one wont hurt any1 unless you abuse alcohol and are not strong in your recovery which might have got this hole thing started maybe people in the nieghbor hood should go to more 12 step mtg. instead of just this little church that has helped so many instead of being worried about a place that is none of anybody's buisness but the p[eople opening the place and the people that are going to go to the place... Why be so concerend where you don't need to be... I say back of and pray about it.. If you dont like it dont go!!!! Good luck Aguilar with your new buisness!!!! I wish the best for you and your family and hope that this all works out.... "
fencepost wrote on Sep 10, 2008 2:43 PM:
" The fact that a church is complaining is irrelavant to the case. Any individual or business owner has a right to file an objection to a liquor license application. I don't see why that makes it "controversial" other than TDN says it is and decides that it's "news." Businesses apply for liquor licenses all the time, and people file objections all the time, but that doesn't make the newspaper. I think this is just a case of a newspaper trying to create "controversy" where there isn't any. "
Gondolapete wrote on Sep 10, 2008 2:58 PM:
" Is the church paying rent to be in the building they are in? If so they have every right to be there, and every right to protest. And the city reserves the right to honor, or dishonor that protest. "
Beer&Skittles wrote on Sep 10, 2008 3:03 PM:
" Fencepost: The "church" provided their letter to TDN to make controversy out of it. If people supporting El Tucan hadn't been aware of that, they wouldn't be in a position to make a positive statement in support of it. So thanks, "Church of Truth" for letting us counter the issue. "
anotion wrote on Sep 10, 2008 3:10 PM:
" Amen! Praise the Lord! Now I'm gonna go have a beer and make some tacos! "
Plymouth wrote on Sep 10, 2008 4:28 PM:
" I thought this states "Blue Laws" were long gone. If the church does not like it MOVE "
Clinton L. Riley wrote on Sep 10, 2008 4:48 PM:
" In the Kingdom of Heaven there won't be any bars or taverns! Praise God! "
crowsfeet wrote on Sep 10, 2008 5:29 PM:
" Let the tests of good versus evil commence. If the preacher can save a few drunks he should feel a little elevated, judge ye not. "
TheGenius wrote on Sep 10, 2008 5:48 PM:
" You opened a church in central Kelso, and now you expect to stop a bar from opening? As for you, Clinton L. Riley, if heaven doesn't have any bars, have fun. I'm not interested, and neither is anyone else with Irish blood. "
joycenanajh wrote on Sep 10, 2008 6:13 PM:
" Yeah crowsfeet that's right judge ye not! The church is saying that just because the former owner didn't watch out for the underage and fights and over serving that this owner will do it too. Not a chance I know that for a fact. It doesn't make sense for the state and the city to okay it then the church says no. The Hispanic Church problably will have luncheons there. And where does it say that AA meetings can't be held across the street. No one is going to go over and intice these people its all free will. So come on Church of Truth meet with the owners find out what kind of people they are and what they are planning to do. We will be bringing jobs, paying taxes and providing a service to the community. "
concerned wrote on Sep 10, 2008 6:25 PM:
" What NO bars in heaven...book me a ticket to hades then LOL....this is getting way outta hand people.. the church is just looking for the controversy and maybe to get some new followers in the process... "
Brenda wrote on Sep 10, 2008 6:26 PM:
" Why was the resturant shut down to begin with? Get a clue people, I suppose you folks would allow drunken drivers a second & third chance. This is part of why Kelso/Longview is so depressed, the drugs & alcohol run wider than the rivers. "
Free2Speak wrote on Sep 10, 2008 6:35 PM:
" Interestingly enough the article states: "Under its previous ownership, El Tucan closed in 2007 after numerous complaints about underage drinking and a citation, plus several brawls and minor crimes." I find it alarming, but most of you, who commented, seem not to care. Isn't it already enough that the Cowlitz county is known to be the meth capital, STD capital and depression capital of this side of the US?
If this man is so anxious to open a business and it is a good business, then he should not rely on the use of alcohol to attract public/clients. If that is the only way he sees for his business to survive there is a problem already.
For those of you who speak so boldly against a "small church" that does good in the community, how about you challenge yourself and do something to help to revive Kelso as well rather than dragging it further into the abyss? "
If this man is so anxious to open a business and it is a good business, then he should not rely on the use of alcohol to attract public/clients. If that is the only way he sees for his business to survive there is a problem already.
For those of you who speak so boldly against a "small church" that does good in the community, how about you challenge yourself and do something to help to revive Kelso as well rather than dragging it further into the abyss? "
Crystal wrote on Sep 10, 2008 6:46 PM:
" I'll support any local business as long as they follow the rules. If the church doesn't like it, then maybe they should find property somewhere else with more elbow room. "
Gondolapete wrote on Sep 10, 2008 6:55 PM:
" As I said in my first post, let em open, it will last six months at best, these clubs all end up in the same light...drunken, brawling spots..Go ahead and buy into the notion it's "also going to be a restaurant" rhetoric, it's going to be exactly what many of us assume it's going to be. "
alla wrote on Sep 10, 2008 7:57 PM:
" wow im blown away at how blind the city of longview and kelso are!
98626-do u really think that just because there used to be a place for people to go screw them selves over there should be one in the present?
Anotherlameopinion- Ha! you're right your opinion is lame.
dudester50- if the church doesn't have a right to raise their voice why are u letting gay clubs have a voice or even a dinki bar?who gave you the magic wand to let some speak and other not?
red3953- okay then what are u leaving comments for?
concerned-...why are u sticking your nose into everything? right couse you're CONCERNED well so is the church but they are CONCERNED about more important things than you ever could be!
OldBag-the issue was not what time the church and the bar were open, but what the problem is, is that the church is worried about what that tavern will do to the south kelso area."just making it go from bad to worse."- zoey
131941-ya you are so right the city of kelso does need someone to wake it up. and u think that another tavern will set of the alarm? "
98626-do u really think that just because there used to be a place for people to go screw them selves over there should be one in the present?
Anotherlameopinion- Ha! you're right your opinion is lame.
dudester50- if the church doesn't have a right to raise their voice why are u letting gay clubs have a voice or even a dinki bar?who gave you the magic wand to let some speak and other not?
red3953- okay then what are u leaving comments for?
concerned-...why are u sticking your nose into everything? right couse you're CONCERNED well so is the church but they are CONCERNED about more important things than you ever could be!
OldBag-the issue was not what time the church and the bar were open, but what the problem is, is that the church is worried about what that tavern will do to the south kelso area."just making it go from bad to worse."- zoey
131941-ya you are so right the city of kelso does need someone to wake it up. and u think that another tavern will set of the alarm? "
turkeyhunterman wrote on Sep 10, 2008 8:03 PM:
" Here's a couple of not so well known facts. SW Washington has one of the lowest per capita church attendance in the country. Cowlitz county has about the highest per capita cases of AIDS and other STDs in the state. Per capita depression IS among the highest in the state. I guess I'm not surprised by all the church bashing. "
racingrocks wrote on Sep 10, 2008 9:24 PM:
" To all who think the church shouldnt be in that store front building, why dont you do something constructive and help them find another place.I'm sure they are not there by choice,but merely b/c it was the only avaiable space for their price range.And by the way, who said a church has to look a certain way?,....the church is not the building anyway.The people are the church "
cherokee wrote on Sep 10, 2008 9:28 PM:
" We do not need any more ethnic based restaurants in this town. We need family style restaurants. I say let the gentleman open his place as long as it is a family place like Denny's or Stuffy's only! NO MORE BARS!!! "
fringe wrote on Sep 10, 2008 9:36 PM:
" I am a person of faith... who owns a business in downtown Kelso. This new business should be allowed to open. It should open under a new name. Then, maybe, the new owners would be given a fair chance to succeed. I lived through the last owners who basically didn't care what happened. I was glad to see them go. However, these are different people. As I said before, churches do not need to be in downtown. The downtown should be a place to do business. We have an association working to make our downtown vital again. It will take some time but it will happen. Lighten up and let them give it a go... "
Gondolapete wrote on Sep 10, 2008 9:40 PM:
" Actually every restaurant is "ethnic" based since every human is part of an ethnic group. So the point should be made that all those that complain about too many churches are must be unaware as to how many mexican food establishments we already have here. "
dylan wrote on Sep 10, 2008 10:38 PM:
" kelso do's need something, and i think the church should move.. that has been a bar for ever. i remember it being a bar when i was a kid.. and if they can keep the kids from dranking then give it to them. thats a bad place for a church anyway's how there always been bars there so what way are they saying something now about a bar being there? come on kelso we need something to keep this old town alive. "
Joe shmo wrote on Sep 11, 2008 5:43 AM:
" Revitalize Kelso?? What a joke. Kelso doesn"t want to revitalize downtown. The city of Kelso wants to RUN downtown their way. The are already in the REAL ESTATE BUSINESS. maybe the city can just open a restaurant and night club. After they finish trying to run the biggest business downtown out of downtown, there will be more wasted space to deal with. But Wait!!!! We still have that nice Train Depot and Bus stop. Wait again, The bus stop moved across town and there is no one working the Train Station. Where can I get ticket to get the heck out of Kelso? I don't need a ticket, I'll just take the NEW BRIDGE THRU KELSO. "
balkatie wrote on Sep 11, 2008 8:35 AM:
" I DONT KNOW WHY EVERYONE IS THINKING THAT THIS RESTAURANT IS GOING TO BE A "TAVERN"? The owner and manager are NOT against the church. As a matter of fact they don't even want them to move. They just want to open the restaurant. Besides, do you see a lot of hispanic restaurants that have banguet facilities. Or restaurants that offer both Hispanic and American food. This restaurant is NOT A TAVERN! Children will be allowed until 10 p.m. As most parents are not allowing their kids to go out past their bed time I think the restaurant is a refreshing sight in the downtown area. Maybe all those who oppose the restaurant dont know all the facts, there for, you are making a statement that is biased on only what you know and not what is truth. If everyone knew the truth about the restaurant and the people working in the restaurant then you might see things differently. Yeah we have alot of ethnic restaurants in this area, but why is that? Aren't there a lot of Ethnic people in the cities? Don't we need to cater to all different kinds of people? Come on quit being so closed minded Longview and Kelso! Props to all those who support more jobs in Cowlits county! "
thacherschmid wrote on Sep 11, 2008 9:45 AM:
" Two points of clarification, from Thacher Schmid, tdn.com Web reporter:
Pastor Leonid Pisarchuk of the Kelso Church of Truth did not send the letter to The Daily News or seek out controversy in any way.
Second, a reopened El Tucan would not be just a tavern and its focus would be heavily on the restaurant and food aspect, but it would also be a club that includes DJs, live music and drinking, including a bar. "
Pastor Leonid Pisarchuk of the Kelso Church of Truth did not send the letter to The Daily News or seek out controversy in any way.
Second, a reopened El Tucan would not be just a tavern and its focus would be heavily on the restaurant and food aspect, but it would also be a club that includes DJs, live music and drinking, including a bar. "
Louie wrote on Sep 11, 2008 11:10 AM:
" I guess I just don't feel that the church people should shove their beliefs down our throats. If they don't want to be bothered with commerce let them relocate! "
Clinton L. Riley wrote on Sep 11, 2008 11:28 AM:
" Good day,
Please except my apologies for insinuating this potential establishment as a tavern... Gosh! How terrible of me! If only I had read in greater detail that this place will actually be a "club"! Will admittance require secret passwords into the tree house and include the consumption of smore's?
As far as drinking is concerned, will they have ginger ale? Yum...I really enjoy ginger ale.
Hey, I just want to say, Blessings to you all!
CLR
P.S.
ATTENTION “TheGenius”: You’ve most likely heard the saying that, “if it wasn’t for whiskey, the Irish would rule the world”! It’s really too bad you’ve missed your opportunity isn’t it? Oh, and yes, in the Kingdom of Heaven, I will, indeed, have fun!
Nevertheless, Blessings to you, too! "
Please except my apologies for insinuating this potential establishment as a tavern... Gosh! How terrible of me! If only I had read in greater detail that this place will actually be a "club"! Will admittance require secret passwords into the tree house and include the consumption of smore's?
As far as drinking is concerned, will they have ginger ale? Yum...I really enjoy ginger ale.
Hey, I just want to say, Blessings to you all!
CLR
P.S.
ATTENTION “TheGenius”: You’ve most likely heard the saying that, “if it wasn’t for whiskey, the Irish would rule the world”! It’s really too bad you’ve missed your opportunity isn’t it? Oh, and yes, in the Kingdom of Heaven, I will, indeed, have fun!
Nevertheless, Blessings to you, too! "
joycenanajh wrote on Sep 11, 2008 11:32 AM:
" AGAIN THE EL TUCAN IS NOT GOING TO BE A TAVERN. THERE IS A DIFFERENCE! THE EL TUCAN IS GOING TO BE A RESTAURANT WITH BOTH MEXICAN AND AMERICAN FOOD WITH LIVE MUSIC, KAROKE ROOM FOR BANQUETS AND PARTIES. KIDS ARE ONLY ALLOWED UNTIL TEN OCLOCK. THERE WILL BE SERCURITY AND A POLICY IN HAND THAT NO UNDERAGE, OVER SERVED AND FIGHTING WILL BE ALLOWED. YOU FOLKS THAT KEEP INSTISTING THAT ITS A TAVERN HAVE NO CLUE WHAT A FULL SCALE RESTAURANT IS. WHAT ABOUT THE MALTESE THEY ARE A BAR AND GRILL AND YOU CAN'T TELL ME THAT THE THEATER PUB DOESN'T SERVE ALCOHOL EITHER (THEY DO). THE OWNER LIKED THE NEW NAME AND DECIDED TO KEEP IT SO WHAT. JUST GIVE HIM A CHANCE TO PROVE WHAT KINDA OF PLACE IT WILL BE. SOME PLACE TO DANCE AND ENJOY GOOD FOOD. NO ONE IS SAYING THAT PATRONS HAVE TO DRINK. YOU CAN GO THERE WITH OUT THAT "
TDN Bad Boy wrote on Sep 11, 2008 12:48 PM:
" Tavern or restaurant bar, who cares? Kelso needs more drinking establishments. A fine place to go on a weekend night. "
Peteypeteypumkineaty wrote on Sep 11, 2008 1:04 PM:
" I am a member of the church and i admit i dont know everything about the situation. But im sure everything would be alright if the el tucan stopped applying for a liquor license... the church has nothing against people persuing careers in downtown kelso. they just have a problem with underage drinking (the reason el tucan was shut down earlier) and drunks barging in during service. for the year that we were in Victory Center ive seen/heard people at their worst. i think it would do alot of you good to look into what Victory Center and Mountain Ministry do for the community. they are trying to restore these cities while bars and taverns simply work against that. i enjoy having dinner at an ethnic restaraunt every now and then. but why include the booze? "
balkatie wrote on Sep 11, 2008 1:21 PM:
" To everyone that is confused, the El Tucan is only wanting a liquor license so that there is a place for 21 and older residents of our community to go to dance, eat, and have fun. I don't know a lot of places in this town that don't serve alcohol, well except denny's, even shari's serves beer and wine now didn't you know that. Dont you kelso residents have a problem with shari's being so close to a school when it serves "alcohol". Think about the highlander serves alcohol too. So does the red lion. Red Lobster also. Do your research before you talk down about a place that only has the same "NAME". The owner of the previous El Tucan didn't do his job right obviously if the problems that happened there did happen. Think about the other clubs, why did they get shut down? NOT ENOUGH SECURITY TO ENSURE UNDERAGED KIDS DON'T GET IN. My brother in law is going to be the front bouncer, I dont think alot of kids or people for that matter would want to lie to him, or try to fight him. IF you did, I am sorry for you. Parents of the kids who do try to get into bars or clubs, shame on you for not teaching your children the right thing to do. Think about that one too, temptation is everywhere you are the one who can fight it! "
balkatie wrote on Sep 11, 2008 1:41 PM:
" AS for Peteypeteypumkineaty, I am sorry to hear that you have had drunks barge in on your service. Please don't blame the business that is different than the last. Blame the other bars that are obviously not cutting their patrons off before they are too intoxicated to tell where they are going. Pray for those poor souls that don't have the will power to stop while they are ahead. I am not a member of any church in this town, but I do believe in god and read the bible, Shouldn't you love thy neighbor no matter what? I know the victory center tried to help MANY teens in the south kelso area and beyond, how long has it been closed though, and why did it close. I know about 6 girls that went there for years, and now are all teen mothers and drop outs. What is up with that. God only touches the people that are willing to accept his love. This restaurant is not trying to deminish morals in cowlitz county, they are trying to create more jobs, the longer they are open daily, the more jobs it creates. Think in terms of buisness. What do most people like to do on the weekend? Go out dancing, do we have that in Kelso?no. Do they have Hispanic banquet facilities?no. ok as a business person, what would you do? "
Grandmother wrote on Sep 11, 2008 1:56 PM:
" Clinton L. Riley: I agree with you and turkeyhunterman: I also agree with you.
It's amazing that attending church is looked at as worse than what consuming alcohol leads to! "
It's amazing that attending church is looked at as worse than what consuming alcohol leads to! "
Rosey Glasses wrote on Sep 11, 2008 8:28 PM:
" It is not that attanding church is bad! It is the fact that when I lived in downtown Kelso (yes I did) we had to clean out the area of gang wanna be kids, tagging our area. Now it is the same and worse! It isn't the bars! (there are fewer bars now than when I lived there), it is not the food (there are fewer places to eat in downtown Kelso than when I lived there). With many of the establishments that had been there for years upon years gone due to Kelso having to have their "Allen/Main st" bridge where they have it today, there needs to be some work done here. The church there needs to take into consideration that not everyone wants "organized religion" shoved down their throats. I was raised by a Mormon mother and Catholic father, I have little faith in any organized church; yet I have my faith intact! I raised five children (and a few others) and some are good kids and others aren't so good, but all will be fine in time. What I find offensive is people telling others what they can and cannot do! Let this person open the restaurant/lounge! See what happens! Quit pushing overbearing religion on those of us who don't want it shoved down our throats! grief... "
Beer&Skittles wrote on Sep 11, 2008 8:40 PM:
" If the 'holy rollers' would actually support a restaurant that didn't serve alcohol, someone could open and maintain a restaurant, but that's NEVER been the case. Others have always closed. People want at least a beer or glass of wine with their tacos or pizza, or soup or steak! Everyone wants something they won't support. The businesses that exist are existing because they are supported. Nothing more, nothing less. "
grrrowl wrote on Sep 11, 2008 10:45 PM:
" Most restaurants wouldn't/don't survive without a liquor license. These are different owners than before, I think they deserve a shot at it. It was the Victory Centers decision to move back to an area where there are already bars/restaurants that serve alcohol. "
viper wrote on Sep 12, 2008 9:53 AM:
" I for one would rather have a good restaurant downtown then a church anyday
and the church wasn't there when they applied for the license so why should they care, and what business is of there's anyway the church should keep there nose out of someone elses business and tend to there own until the churches pay taxes they should have any say in what they do
another attempt by the churches to force there beliefs on the people . I vote yes let them have there license tell the church to go fly a kit : Viper "
and the church wasn't there when they applied for the license so why should they care, and what business is of there's anyway the church should keep there nose out of someone elses business and tend to there own until the churches pay taxes they should have any say in what they do
another attempt by the churches to force there beliefs on the people . I vote yes let them have there license tell the church to go fly a kit : Viper "
alla wrote on Sep 12, 2008 11:26 AM:
" GRRROWL- the church was asked to move back down in that area by the city:)
BALKTALKIE- who said that the church is not loving their neighbor. Haven't u even seen what the mountain ministries is doing for our area... you don't think that they are not loving their neighbor. wow open your eyes and stop apologizing for things that don't matter. "
BALKTALKIE- who said that the church is not loving their neighbor. Haven't u even seen what the mountain ministries is doing for our area... you don't think that they are not loving their neighbor. wow open your eyes and stop apologizing for things that don't matter. "
Peteypeteypumkineaty wrote on Sep 12, 2008 5:15 PM:
" Ive seen several comments of people complaining that the church is forcing the beliefs on other people and that the church moved into town after they applied. I want to say to all those about to post PLEASE READ UP ON THE ISSUE BEFORE POSTING. Victory Center/Mountain Ministries has been nextdoor to the el tucan for nearly four years before getting evicted. Church of Truth moved across the street to continue holding service. And by protesting the liquor license we arent forcing beliefs, we are exercising our rights as a civic organization. if you wanna complain about rights, do so to your gov. or whoever you do that to :) "
Rosey Glasses wrote on Sep 12, 2008 7:51 PM:
" Well I am going to exercise my rights too... I would like to see something like the Brass Rail back in Kelso, I might even go out for dinner, drink and some dancing! Church? I haven't found one that doesn't tell me how to live, or that my daughter shouldn't wear a cross I gave her (LDS church), or that I shouldn't have an abortion to save my life so I am here for the other children I have... Give me a break. I am at peace with my higher power... I don't need a church to tell me how to live, I can read the good book(s) all on my own. If this church is so bent on not allowing this establishment to gain a license to serve what they want... then they need to realize that people in this area are going to tell them how it is! Give me a break. (just one more reason). "
MattChenier wrote on Sep 13, 2008 12:43 PM:
" Well, Rosey, maybe you should also do your drinking at home and keep it to yourself as well. Our city is polluted to the brim with alcoholics, drug addicts, std's, child abandonment, and crime. You want to ban the work against it and promote the work for such cases. To those who accuse our church of drinking, we support no drinking of any alcohol to any amount of any kind under any circumstance. We are all for the restaurant, but we are against the things that are corrupting our county. You think a night club is going to restore our economy? Our economy is damaged because of the damaged lives of individuals effected by drugs and alcohol. Open your eyes and look at the people who are being destroyed in this community. What are they living for? God or alcohol? We have a so few laws left to protect our children. We are just trying to do what little we can. We are also ridiculed for our humble storefront, but if we had a 10 million dollar church in the hills, we would be criticized for that too. Our church money is spent on feeding, clothing, and restoring the lives of children, adults, and families destroyed but drugs and alcohol. Sorry for your misunderstanding. "
joycenanajh wrote on Sep 13, 2008 9:30 PM:
" I would like to know why the church of truth was evcited. And why they were asked to move d back after they left. Did they not pay their rent or was lack of people coming to their Victory Center. I still think that they pastor should talk with the owner and find out what it is he is planning to do. And as for all you people who think Kelso it a dive and lousy place to live then move out. I have lived and raised all my children in Kelso and they are raising their childern in Kelso they aren't bad or drugies. Longview and any other town in this state have the same problems. Some people choose that life. The town did make them like that. God gave us all the free will to make good choices and bad. It would be nice to be able to prove to the Church that we wouln't be the same as the place before. "
Clinton L. Riley wrote on Sep 15, 2008 9:36 AM:
" Perhaps I’m being judgmental; however, I would like to add illiteracy to the list of problems Cowlitz County seems to have… "
crowsfeet wrote on Sep 16, 2008 4:02 PM:
" I believe that the foriegn area we are now in conflict, middle east, is run by their version of the good book. We do not need to be dictated to by someones perception of our nations chosen good book. Let the business open, give the church members a common bond and a reason to pray on Sunday. "
TheGenius wrote on Sep 16, 2008 7:49 PM:
" Yeah, Clinton, you are being judgemental. And you are pretty accurate in that statement as well. In related news, Cowlitz County has high unemployment. I can't imagine there is any corrollary. "
mole wrote on Sep 18, 2008 5:16 PM:
" most restaurants have liquor licenses.you have to control yourself,NOT BE CONTROLLED.allow the license let it play out see what happens!!! COMMON SENSE IS OFTEN TIMES NOT USED!! "
fencepost wrote on Sep 25, 2008 7:23 AM:
" I can't speak for that church, but if I was in their situation, I probably wouldn't object to the restaurant serving alcohol WITH MEALS (peanuts & pretzels don't count_. But the fact that they want to include a night club (bar, DJ, dancing) where patrons can purchase alcoholic beverages solely I think is the real issue: unless it's strictly controlled (no underage, cut off patrons after a couple of drinks) it WILL be a problem. Kelso businesses don't have a real good history of controlling the abuse. "
press wrote on Sep 27, 2008 8:12 AM:
" Ha ha ha when I read things like this and I am where I am at surrounded by mainly Catholic churches on every corner and surrounding them are KTV Bars and drinking karaoke establishments.
No one here seems to give a rats butt where you set up a drinking establishment.
I can not wait to come home sweet home its been a long while since I have been able to sift my feet on good old American Soils.
Churches control other non important things here not where one has a drink.
I am sure people who attend church drink at restaurants maybe a wine or a beer or two for dinner.
People have got to stop controlling things.
I believe if your that powerful of a church or organization to have to control how other people make a livelihood or how they socialize then you and your church can pay for all the public lighting and other public services in the area.
or back off and let others have a chance to breath! "
No one here seems to give a rats butt where you set up a drinking establishment.
I can not wait to come home sweet home its been a long while since I have been able to sift my feet on good old American Soils.
Churches control other non important things here not where one has a drink.
I am sure people who attend church drink at restaurants maybe a wine or a beer or two for dinner.
People have got to stop controlling things.
I believe if your that powerful of a church or organization to have to control how other people make a livelihood or how they socialize then you and your church can pay for all the public lighting and other public services in the area.
or back off and let others have a chance to breath! "
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