Albany bar reopens with strict conditions from city

ALBANY – Cafe Hollywood on Lark Street in Albany is reopening. As NewsChannel 13 reported last week, the bar got permission from the city to reopen with conditions.

Cafe Hollywood was forced to shut down in July, when Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan declared a state of emergency after a number of violent incidents were linked to the bar.

According to the agreement, the bar must close at midnight for the next six months. Ordinarily, the state Liquor Authority would allow the cafe to remain open until 4 a.m.

They’re also limited to no more than 75 patrons inside the building at any time.

The sidewalk cafe must remain closed.

Live entertainment — live music, including disc jockeys — is not allowed.

In addition, bar patrons will be subject to metal detection and pat downs from 6 p.m. until closing.

If any of the conditions is violated, the city can shut down the bar again.

"It’s going to be a pretty big challenge. But guess what? I’ve gone through challenges before. I’m happy to take it on," said Owner Collin Rost.

Rost also says shutting down his business for three months caused significant financial hardship. However, one of the conditions for reopening is he is not allowed to file a lawsuit against the city to recoup any losses.

Hear about another thing he says is very unfair to his business by watching the video of Dan Levy’s story.