Wilmington shuts down bar declaring it a nuisance

According to its website, the 317 Irish Pub is Wilmington’s newest Irish Pub.

It’s also the latest Wilmington bar the city has shuttered.

The bar, located at 2511 West 4th Street, has fallen victim to the city’s Nuisance Property Law.

The city says bar owners received a hand-delivered suspension notice Friday, January 14th and becomes effective at the end of the month

“The Public Nuisance Program does not tolerate disruptive and offensive behaviors by irresponsible property owners, patrons and renters who follow a pattern of persistently violating criminal laws, and health, safety and building codes,” said Wilmington Mayor James Baker.

The law took effect in September 2009 and uses a point system to track public safety, building, sanitation and health code violations.

The city says 317 Irish Pub tallied up 18 points in the past year, deeming it a nuisance property in the city’s eyes.

The number of points given depends on the severity of the incident.

In 317’s case, violations included possession of a deadly weapon during the commission of a felony and second degree assault, according to the city.

“This law makes it clear that any behaviors that denigrate the quality of life in our neighborhoods or business districts will be dealt with swiftly and justly,” said Mayor Baker.

Calls made to 317 Irish Pub were not returned.

Bar owners have 10 business days to appeal the decision.

The first property to have its business license revoked under the new law was Shugg’s Bar and Restaurant, located at the corner of 4th and Lincoln Streets, back in August.