Late-night revelers in Rittenhouse over the weekend noticed police activity at two of the livelier establishments.
The visits to Drinker's Pub (1903 Chestnut St.) and Byblos and its Vango nightclub (114 S. 18th) were followed by closures and those white-and-red cease-operation notices slapped on the doors.
A check of the city Department of Licenses and Inspections shows that inspectors wrote a series of violations, and I hear that the department is cracking down as the summer season gets into full swing.
Drinkers was nailed for: not submitting certifications of its alarm system, insufficient lighting, various electrical violations, blocking the kitchen exit, use of extension cords, and rusted stairs. Inspectors also counted 155 people plus 13 staffers, when lawful occupancy is 75. Drinkers owner Avram Hornik said he met with L&I and ironed everything out, which an L&I spokesman confirmed.
Byblos/Vango was cited for not having a sign marking its sprinkler system, misuse of fire doors (e.g. propped open), use of curtains that may have been flammable, use of extension cords, and lack of licensing. Owner Diaa Sawan said he straightened everything out with L&I, which a spokesman confirmed.
The clubs were allowed to reopen.