'Trying to survive': Claridge tavern faces fine, complaints, state probe over outdoor concerts

Weekend concerts that draw large crowds outside a Claridge tavern have spawned a series of complaints to Penn Township police, a local citation and sparked an investigation by the state liquor control enforcement agency.

Concerts at SchoolHouse Tavern on Main Street are “totally out of hand,” with an estimated crowd of more than 250 people who gathered for a performance by the Twisted Fate band on Saturday night, said William Roberts, community development director.

“This is a residential neighborhood. This is not conducive to a residential neighborhood,” with patrons parking in yards and music so loud that some parents “had to take their kids to their grandparents because they could not sleep,” Roberts said.

He issued Christopher B. Sullivan of Murrysville, co-owner of the tavern, a cease-and-desist order on Sept. 18 to stop the outdoor concerts because he claims they are not permitted in that zoning district. Sullivan and co-owner Renee Quinn plan to appeal the citation and hired a Pittsburgh attorney to represent them.

“We have followed every rule that governs us,” Sullivan said at the tavern Tuesday.

A Facebook photo of the concert shows a crowd at the outdoor stage in the tavern’s rear parking lot, patrons close to each other and not wearing masks.

Quinn and Sullivan pointed out that the customers are outside and are told to wear masks when they are unable to socially distance themselves. The music ends at 10 p.m., they said.

Tavern representatives have met with township officials on several occasions and an agreement was reached to permit background music for patrons who take advantage of outdoor seating, Roberts said. But “it morphed into all-out concert events,” he said, which violate the ordinance.

Roberts said he met attorney Michael T. Korns, township solicitor, to discuss the matter. The owners have 30 days to appeal the citation.

The SchoolHouse Tavern has another concert scheduled for Saturday, but Quinn said they may have to reconsider in light of the complaints and a visit by township police after the Sept. 26 show.

“If they ask us to stop, we have to respect that,” Quinn said.

The tavern said on a blog that the free outdoor events will continue as long as rules are followed regarding parking areas and entry to the venue and “proper consideration is given to our establishment, neighbors and community.” The tavern uses a nearby field owned by the Bushy Run American Legion for patrons to park and be shuttled to the concert site.

Nearby residents offered mixed opinions about the concerts.

Heather Tummolo, who lives across Main Street from the tavern, said the music did not bother her and she had attended some of the concerts, where the people were friendly.

But Tammi Mirarchi, who lives about a quarter-mile from the concert stage, said the music was so loud she could hear as the sound echoed around the hillside above the tavern.

“We had the police come up. Someone had fully parked on our property,” ignoring a “no parking” sign the tavern had put there, Mirarchi said.

Police Chief John Otto said he referred complaints about the concerts to the state Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement. Otto said there is a “disagreement” between the township and tavern owners over what activities are allowed.

Citing the ownership for a zoning violation “thus far has not worked” to stop the concerts, Otto said.

“We’re going to kick it up to somebody (Liquor Control Enforcement) that has more teeth,” he said.

The LCB licensed the SchoolHouse Tavern under the ownership of Twinner’s Table LLC of Murrysville. Sullivan bought the property in October 2016 for $250,000, according to the county Recorder of Deeds. No citations against Twinner’s Table license were listed on the LCB website.

The bureau is investigating complaints that the most recent concert violated regulations against excessive noise and crowd size, said Trooper Daniel Becky, Liquor Control Enforcement supervisor in Pittsburgh. He declined to comment on details of the investigation.

Outdoor gatherings of more than 250 people, including wait staff, are prohibited under Gov. Wolf’s orders of July 15, which remain in effect as part of the statewide mitigation efforts to prevent the spread of covid-19 at bars and restaurants.

A liquor licensee that fails to comply with requirements mandating the wearing of masks, providing at least 6 feet between parties at tables and ensuring that maximum occupancy limits are observed, risks administrative citation . Citations can carry penalties including a fine of up to $1,000 and possible suspension and/or revocation of the liquor license, the state said.

Sullivan said they are not in violation of any LCB regulations and have a permit to serve alcohol outside.

He said the business has been hard-hit by the covid-19 restrictions.

“I’m just trying to survive,” Sullivan said.