By Joyce Kryszak
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wbfo/local-wbfo-918811.mp3
Buffalo, NY – The City Grill is facing new problems in the wake of this weekend's deadly shooting outside its doors. The New York State Liquor Authority is investigating the restaurant's handling of the incident.
On Monday morning an investigator with the agency was looking around the City Grill patio near the scene of the mass homicide. Later, a spokesman for the agency confirmed there is an active investigation.
Public Affairs Director Bill Crowley told WBFO one possible outcome is that the upscale restaurant could lose its liquor license.
Crowley said they will be looking to see if City Grill was to blame in anyway for violence that erupted following problems at a private party held there.
"Even if it's directly outside the premises, we could still charge the bar if we find that their actions, or inactions, caused the assualt - or in this case, the shootings - to occur," said Crowley.
Among other things, he said the restaurant could be considered at fault if there was overcrowding or inadequate security. Crowley added that the restaurant is not necessarily in the clear simply because they closed and ordered everyone to leave once problems began.
"Where the bar owner says the typical, 'take it outside,' approach is something we don't want them to do," said Crowley. "We want them to try to quell the situation and also call the police and take care of it."
Due to the ongoing investigation, Crowley would not say whether or not restaurant management or security called police prior to the shootings to request assistance.
A police department spokesman did not return WBFO's call for that information.
WBFO spoke to someone at City Grill to request information regarding the handling of the incident, but was told they were not speaking to media at this time.
Crowley said City Grill does not have any adverse history of problems. He says that will be taken into consideration in their investigation's findings.