In a move that surprised local residents, the New York State Liquor Authority (SLA) has declared the suspension of Club Marcella’s liquor license.

According to an SLA statement, Chair Lily Fan and Commissioner Edgar De Leon mandated this suspension during a special Full Board meeting convened on December 8, 2023. This directive takes immediate effect, prohibiting any sale or consumption of alcohol on the club’s premises.

This suspension arises in the wake of the fourth shooting incident occurring at or in the vicinity of the club within a span of less than one year.

The most recent episode unfolded on December 3 when a 30-year-old man was shot and injured in the club’s restroom. Authorities have subsequently apprehended three individuals in connection with this shooting.

Buffalo Police Commissioner Joseph Gramaglia has disclosed that the victim and the suspects share familiarity, indicating that this incident was a targeted act. Consequently, in response to this recent occurrence, Commissioner Gramaglia has issued an immediate order for the nightclub to cease its operations.

However, the nightclub still has a glimmer of hope as license suspensions are not always permanent and can be overturned if improvements are made and appeals are successful.