Buffalo, NY (WBEN) - The group running Mohawk Place downtown has announced they are temporarily pausing live shows at the venue for the next few months.
In a Facebook post, they said the process to obtain a liquor license from the State Liquor Authority has moved slower than they anticipated because of violations in the venue's past
Without the ability to serve alcohol, they said continuing to host shows isn't feasible.
Frank DiMaria Jr., one of the Mohawk's partners, said the venerable downtown music venue will definitely re-open once it obtains its new liquor license.
"In no way, shape or form, are we closing," DiMaria said. "The 'Hawk" will be open pretty soon."
The group says a local operator has been brought on to help support the venue so that when the license is approved, it's ready to open immediately.
A re-opened Mohawk Place is central to plans by developer Rocco Termini to turn a stretch of Ellicott Street between E. Huron Street and North Division Street a key downtown entertainment hub with live music and special events.
DiMaria said the Mohawk Place will be a key part of Termini's Ellicott Street plan.