The New York State Liquor Authority yesterday issued a ruling allowing Barclays Center "to sell alcohol at its premium bars for an hour after events finish, or a cutoff of 1 a.m.," according to Aaron Edwards of the N.Y. TIMES. The venue "had been seeking permission to serve alcohol until as late as 2 a.m." During games, alcohol "will be cut off in the arena after the third quarter." The liquor board’s ruling "came amid strong opposition from residents, who argued that serving drinks after events would keep a steady flow of noisy and drunken fans emptying into the surrounding neighborhoods." Opponents of the project "have been complaining of an increase in the number of surrounding businesses seeking liquor licenses, which they fear will entice people leaving basketball games, concerts and other events at the arena to linger in bars and clubs in the area and continue to imbibe." Though Barclays Center developer Forest City Ratner "accepted the earlier final cutoff time, the company said during the hearing that if the restriction caused problems for scheduling events, it might return to the Liquor Authority to try to extend the permit until 2 a.m." (N.Y. TIMES, 8/30).
GIMME SHELTER: The Rolling Stones reportedly will play four dates in November, "two at London's O2 Arena and two at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn." A source said the band will be paid $25M for the four shows (BILLBOARD.biz, 8/29).
