The popular Hammond bar, The Brown Door, has closed its doors until further notice following a suspension of its alcohol license. The announcement came via an Instagram story posted on the evening of October 12, 2023. A spokesperson for the Hammond Police Department confirmed on October 13 that officers assisted the Louisiana Alcohol and Tobacco Control in notifying the bar of the suspension, which is effective until a hearing scheduled for September 11, 2025.
This decision follows a recent investigation into the bar’s practices, which revealed significant violations regarding alcohol sales to minors. Earlier this month, detectives found that The Brown Door had made a staggering 116 sales of alcoholic beverages to customers under the age of 21 within a three-hour period. Security footage showed staff at the bar failing to alert management or security while underage patrons consumed drinks directly in front of them.
As a result of the investigation, several individuals were arrested. Sydney Elise Mitchell, a 20-year-old bartender from Gulfport, Mississippi, faces 115 counts of unlawful sales to minors, along with a charge of allowing a disorderly place. Another bartender, Michael Samuel Cuccia, aged 22 from Mandeville, has been charged with one count of unlawful sales to minors and one count pertaining to disorderly conduct.
In addition, Tristan Michael Stravinsky, a 21-year-old from Slidell, was arrested for 10 counts of unlawful purchase of alcohol on behalf of individuals under 21, as video evidence showed him supplying drinks to others. The owner of the establishment, Patrick Lynn Broussard, aged 57 from Port Allen, received a misdemeanor summons for allowing a disorderly place. Additionally, Richard Kale Clementi, an 18-year-old from Slidell, was issued a summons for unlawful purchase and public possession of alcohol for minors.
In a separate development, Lacy Landrum, former city administrator of Hammond, announced her candidacy for mayor. This declaration was made through a Facebook post by her partner, Joseph Dominick. The upcoming mayoral election is set to take place in fall 2024.
The closure of The Brown Door serves as a significant reminder of the strict regulations surrounding the sale of alcohol, particularly to minors. As authorities continue to address issues of compliance in local establishments, the repercussions for violations can have immediate and lasting impacts on business operations and community safety.
