CORRECTION: Due to an editing error, the following story incorrectly stated where Looney’s Pub is set to open. It will open in the Varsity apartment complex. The story has been changed to reflect this correction.
Although the College Park City Council threw its support behind Looney’s Pub’s intent to sell alcohol, the ultimate fate of the establishment as a nightlife option is now in the hands of the county liquor board.
Although Looney’s Pub — scheduled to open in the Varsity apartment complex’s commercial space this fall — was already set to operate as a restaurant, the city council’s endorsement of its selling alcohol means the business is one step closer to officially establishing itself as a local watering hole for students and College Park residents.
To officially sell beer and wine, Looney’s co-owners William Larney Jr. and Steve Litrenta must receive approval from the Prince George’s County Board of License Commissioners at an Aug. 23 hearing. However, support from the city typically results in a favorable county vote, and after city council members reviewed the pub’s business plan, many said they were confident it would be a reputable establishment.
Details of the agreement with the city include a mandated 50-50 alcohol-to-food ratio as well as Looney’s providing a state-of-the-art security system designed to crack down on fake IDs and a travel service that will transport patrons to and from the location on the weekends.
The opening of a new bar in the city elicited mixed reactions from council members. While some heralded the presence of a well-known establishment in College Park, others expressed concern over opening another restaurant that will serve alcohol.
“It seems to have a heavy emphasis on drinking,” said District 1 councilwoman Christine Nagle. “I don’t want us to be fooled into thinking that we’re getting a restaurant when we’re really getting a bar.”
But Larney said he plans to operate as a restaurant during the day and provide a bar scene for night patrons, noting that the combination will distinguish this bar from others in the city.
“We’re not strictly a bar; we’re not strictly a restaurant,” Larney said. “We provide something for everybody.”
District 4 councilman Marcus Afzali said the liquor application isn’t a surprise, since the three other Looney’s locations — all in the state — operate in the same manner.
“It’s a known establishment,” Afzali said. “That’s what’s nice about Looney’s — it already exists in three other places, and they’re all the same.”
Afzali said the arrival of an established business such as Looney’s should be a cause for celebration, not concern.
“I think it’s exciting. This is a quality establishment,” Afzali said. “I think we should be willing to show off more often about the great things happening around the city.”
Larney said his establishment will offer games, karaoke, live music and an array of TV screens that will show different sporting events. It will close at 2 a.m. on Sunday through Thursday and 3 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. Though there will be happy hour drink specials, beer pitchers will not be offered for less than $9 and alcoholic drinks will cost at least $2.
Some students, such as sophomore finance major David Galanie, said although Looney’s will offer an extensive menu, it will only survive if it becomes a nightlife staple.
“The type of music they play at the bar, how much they charge for their drinks — that’ll determine how successful they’ll be,” Galanie said.
Other students, like junior kinesiology major Vonai Mayo said its secluded location inside an apartment building could be a deterrent for on-campus students.
“I’ll probably look at it as another restaurant option just because it’s in an apartment,” she said. “It’s inside and not set apart as a bar.”
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