Annies Uppertown Tavern, Astorias only strip club, has had its liquor license suspended. 

The Oregon Liquor Control Commission issued the suspension Friday, after an investigation revealed that the owner, Timothy Esposito, had allowed the liquor liability insurance on the business to lapse. 

The insurance company notified Esposito  June 8 that the policy had been cancelled, but he continued to operate until about July 13, the OLCC said in a statement Monday. The business has been closed since then. 

In Oregon, businesses with a liquor license must maintain liquor liability insurance on the business or a bond with a corporate surety in the amount of $300,000.

Having liquor liability insurance is important to protect customers and employees inside your business should they get hurt from alcohol-related injuries, said Janice Kindrick, OLCCs regional enforcement manager. Possessing a liquor license is a privilege. Liquor liability insurance is one of the requirements a business must follow to be allowed that privilege.

All calls from the Daily Astorian to Espositos four known phone lines were either disconnected lines or were not returned. 

Esposito could continue to operate the business without alcohol, said Christie Scott, a spokeswoman for OLCC. Esposito also holds an off-premises license, so he can continue to sell beer and wine “to go.” The alcohol can not be consumed on the premises, including sidewalk and parking area, Scott explained. 

The suspension does not carry a fine, however it is likely that a violation letter will follow, Scott explained. 

Since it is a category 1 violation, the proposed sanction will be license cancellation.  

Esposito has 90 days to request a hearing with OLCC regarding the immediate suspension. The hearing would be conducted by an administrative law judge, who would issue a proposed order which goes to the OLCC’s board of commissioners. The commissioners would then issue a final order.  

If the licensee does not request a hearing, the license will remain suspended until the OLCC lifts it.