A temporary reversal means one of the Hartford convenience stores that was stopped from operating overnight can now stay open around the clock, at least for now.
A judge issued the decision Friday in favor of Andy’s Mart, an Exxon Station at 351 Woodland St.
Over the summer, citing disruptions created in their community linked to late hours, Hartford police took steps to revoke the 24-hour permits of about a dozen gas stations and convenience stores in the city.
Businesses wishing to operate in Hartford between the hours of 11:30 p.m. and 5 a.m. must have a specific permit. Hartford police make recommendations to the city licensing authority about who should be approved for the permits.
The owners of that store on Woodland Street told the court they’ve had a rough time staying afloat since their open hours were slashed.
After reviewing a request for an injunction, a judge granted the store on Woodland Street a temporary injunction allowing it to once again remain open between 11:30 p.m. and 5 a.m.
The owners of the store claimed that since it was stripped of its 24-hour permit, business dropped by roughly 50 percent, forcing them to let go of two employees and use personal funds to cover the building’s rent.
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In court documents, a judge agreed that the city has no uniform standard for how many calls for police assistance could warrant permit revocation. The city had claimed that the stores that had their permits revoked attracted loitering, drug sales and other quality of life issues.
The city said the issues are a balancing act.
“We will of course comply with the temporary injunction granted at this particular location, and we remain willing to consider negotiated resolutions with conditions on a case by case basis. As we have always said, the granting of 24-hour permits is a question of balancing quality of life and public safety concerns with businesses’ desire to maximize revenue,” said Hartford Corporation Counsel Howard Rifkin.
The injunction will remain in effect until a hearing to determine the future of this store. At least one other business affected by the ordinance intends to call the city next week and re-request to remain open in the late hours. If that’s not approved, they may seek the same injunction.
