Cumpie’s reopens after PLCB problems

Following a run-in with the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board, a mandatory eight-month hiatus… Following a run-in with the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board, a mandatory eight-month hiatus and an experiment in fruit retail, Cumpie’s Restaurant ‘ Lounge has reopened its doors. The bar/restaurant on Atwood Street opened under new management Jan. 6.

“The kids are glad we’re back,” bartender Sam Rende said. “It’s the same format as before. We treat the kids good; they like to come here.”

The PLCB suspended the bar’s license last May because of what spokeswoman Donna Pinkham called a “pretty lengthy record” of liquor violations. Under an agreement between the state and the bar, the liquor license would be held in escrow – meaning it could not be used – for up to one year, or until the license is sold.

Cumpie’s survived by selling fruits and vegetables, both of which are out of PLCB jurisdiction.

A.P.Q. Inc. acquired the bar from its previous owners, The Next Decade Inc., Dec. 18, 2002, according to Molly McGowan from the PLCB. Because the PLCB labeled Cumpie’s a “nuisance bar,” the new owners had to pay a fine before the PLCB would approve the acquisition.

Also because of previous liquor violations, Cumpie’s new owner must serve a four-day suspension beginning Feb. 10.

Rende acknowledged past problems, citing an April 26, 2002, underage drinking incident that cost the bar $8,000. But he insisted those violations will not be repeated.

“Everything that happened in the past is in the past,” Rende said. “We’re strict on IDs. You’re not getting in without ID.”

Rende discussed plans to keep the restaurant open 24 hours, but such plans require permission from the state. While the restaurant serves all ages, minors are prohibited from entering a bar after 9 p.m.

Rende was not optimistic about state leniency.

“I just got a stigmatization,” Rende said of Cumpie’s relationship with the PLCB.