August 24th 2023.
Jumbo's Sports Bar and Grill, a Black-owned bar in Colorado, is fighting to stay open after its liquor license was abruptly suspended on June 1st. Tanesha Howard, the bar owner, was shocked by the sudden decision and had no warning or citation. The city of Lakewood alleged that there were complaints of “undue noise,” the bar staying open past 2 a.m., overserving alcohol, and underage drinking.
Despite these claims, the Colorado Division of Liquor and Tobacco Enforcement sent an undercover operative to test Jumbo’s compliance with the liquor law. The minor was refused and the city determined that the underage drinking complaint was unfounded. Lakewood City Councilwoman Anita Springsteen has since seen videos and believes that Jumbo’s was the victim of racial discrimination.
“I could see what was happening, that they are being unfairly targeted, in my opinion. This is a systematic process of trying to push these people out. And it’s not fair. They deserve due process. They deserve to be heard,” Springsteen told ABC 7.
The Lakewood Liquor License Authority claims that Jumbo’s is a “magnet for gun violence” and those living nearby are likely to be victimized. The loss of the liquor license has had a severe impact on the business and Howard has set up a GoFundMe to assist with attorney fees and donations.
Despite the challenges, Howard is determined to keep fighting. “I think that I’m going to go in and I’m going to get my liquor license back. Man, I gotta stay positive,” Howard said. A hearing has been set for Aug. 29 to decide the future of Jumbo’s liquor license. Until then, Howard and her family will remain positive and keep fighting. As Howard wrote in the fundraiser post, “The added burden of facing racism during these trying times has only deepened the challenges we face. Despite these adversities, we remain steadfast in our determination to overcome and continue serving our community.”
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