BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Bethlehem Police Chief Michelle Kott said at a recent City Council meeting that the department is working with the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board on issues involving the historic 540 Democratic Club.
City Council President Michael Colón asked Kott to explain the department’s protocol for dealing with what he called a “problematic establishment.”
Kott said the police department has limited authority over liquor licenses, which are regulated by the state Liquor Control Board.
“We are actively working with the LCB in regards to the 540 Club,” Kott said. “The BPD can’t revoke a business’s liquor license — that has to come through the liquor control board.”
She explained that a business can be designated a “nuisance bar” in one of two ways: through the Liquor Control Board or the Northampton County District Attorney’s Office.
“This is something we’re actively working on with outside parties,” Kott said. “It can be very frustrating because we’re working with an agency that’s on its own timeline and has its own fact-finding and procedures in place. Ultimately, their goal is to try and get compliance — to try and get the establishment to start following the rules.”
The LCB considers a range of factors when reviewing an establishment, including noise complaints, assaults, shootings and calls from residents.
The discussion follows a violent incident at the 540 Democratic Club last month. On Sept. 20, police were called to the club at 540 N. New St. for reports of shots fired and a fight in the parking lot.
Investigators said a man, later identified as Andre C. Cantave, accidentally shot himself during a brawl that began inside the club and spilled outside. Cantave faces multiple charges, including aggravated assault, possession of a firearm by a prohibited person and reckless endangerment. A second person, Shatika Schaffer, was also charged with simple assault.
The 540 Democratic Club, founded in the mid-20th century as a neighborhood gathering place for local Democrats, has operated in Bethlehem for decades. The club’s ownership could not be reached for comment.
Kott told council that police and city officials are continuing to coordinate with state and county partners to ensure the establishment addresses ongoing safety and compliance concerns.
