VIDEO: Twelve-year-old involved in one of the drug deals that closed the Shanghai…
HYANNIS – [Developing…] After allegations of numerous drug deals on the premises, one involving a 12-year-old and another minor, the Barnstable Licensing Authority voted to revoke all of the Shanghai Chinese Restaurant’s business licenses .
Barnstable Police Lieutenant John Murphy and Barnstable Patrolman Steve Maher gave testimony today regarding at least 10 instances where illicit drug sales allegedly took place inside the restaurant.
The most shocking testimony highlighted a case where a 12-year-old delivered heroin which he had kept inside one of his socks. That particular drug deal allegedly took place right at the bar. [See video]
Police testified that drug deals were blatant and at times took place right on top of the bar.
The owners denied having knowledge of drug activity… or even knowing what certain drugs looked liked packaged…
Police also briefly mentioned the occasion of violence and violent offenders frequenting the premises.
According to officials, the owners of the Shanghai have been given numerous warnings. The Shanghai had been in business for 16 years and it’s uncertain why the owners were not able to maintain control over crime inside their restaurant and bar.
One of the owners mentioned that rocks where thrown through one of his windows at his home about a year ago, but was reluctant to comment further. It remains uncertain whether the owners were, in fact, under duress from drug dealers operating out of their establishment.
Robert Mills, attorney representing the owners, was hoping for just a suspension that would allow time to enact plans to make the restaurant able to deter future criminal activity. The Licensing Authority felt the restaurant had been given an abundance of warnings and voted to revoke all business licenses.
The Licensing Authority’s decision comes in the middle of a local heroin epidemic where town resources are being stretched to the limit. Various members of the Authority commented on the obligations of bar owners to deter drug activity and crime within their establishments.
According to officials, it was the responsibility of the owners to call police and take advantage of protections against crime.
The following video highlights the meeting and testimony which illustrates the degree of crime at the Shanghai. It also shows Licensing Authority members verbalizing a diminished degree of confidence in the owners to maintain control over their restaurant… [Press play]
HN Note: Today's decision sends a powerful message to other bars licensed by the town. When a bar opens its doors to the public, owners are obligated to work with police in efforts to deter crime within.
Additional photos:
Above photo: "Henry," the restaurant's manager...
Above photo: Attorney Robert Mills directs a question at Detective Lieutenant & SCU Supervisor John Murphy...
1/12/2014
Robert Bastille,
