The Tiki Barge, the legally waterlogged Inner Harbor party barge, will stay afloat in July after all.
The liquor board Thursday "formally reconsidered" its April 28 decision that would have suspended its liquor license for the month of July. The Tiki Barge has paid a $3,000 fine in lieu of a 14-day suspension under an agreement between the owners and some of its neighbors. The board had suspended its liquor license after saying patrons disturbed the peace and the bar's counsel gave misleading statements.
The Tiki Barge has agreed to extra security — two guards who will escort disruptive patrons out of the Harborview community. The measures affect only the Tiki Barge without also having to include the two other businesses — Tabrizi's restaurant and Sorso Cafe — that share its liquor license.
It was concern for those other two businesses, chairman Stephan Fogleman said, that brought the board around. "We were in a legal quandary," explained Fogleman, who said that holding to its April decision would have unfairly affected Sorso Cafe and Tabrizi's, not to mention their patrons.
"I'll admit to receiving emails from nervous brides who may not have been able to have their Champagne toast at Tabrizi's," Fogleman said.