Last Call for Angie's

It may be only a matter of time until Columbia City's controversial watering hole, Angie's, closes their doors for good.

Two weeks ago, the Washington State Liquor Control Board sent the bar's owner, Woo Yong "Andy" Lee, a Statement of Intent to Not Renew License and a Request for Hearing/ Response to Statement of Intent to Not Renew, or SINRLRHRSINR for short. In non-WSLCB speak, that means the board won't grant them a new license to serve liquor.

The board's decision comes about eight months after the city filed an objection to Angie's license renewal, citing a laundry list of problems at and around the business.

The city's objection letter, filed in September 2009, noted incidents of gunfire, fights, drug dealing, and frequent calls to police at the bar.

The bar has long been a source of controversy in the neighborhood. Some neighbors see it as a remnant of "Old Columbia City" amidst the recent gentrification of the neighborhood, while the bar's detractors see it as a hub of criminal activity.

While Angie's attorney, David Osgood, says his client is appealing the board's decision, you might want to go have a drink sooner rather than later if you're a fan of the place. I doubt it's gonna be around much longer.

Save and Share this article

Permalink

Tags: + add tags

see ya!
I think there is a distinct difference between closing down a chronic hub of criminal activity and gentrification. I don't see how gunfire, drug dealing, and fights contribute to a healthy community. Closing Angie's does not de facto result in gentrification. It could, but it doesn't have to. Whether Angie's is replaced by a pretentious wine bar, nail salon, or Ethiopian restaurant, the community will be better off for the departure of that business.
Comment by Landed Gentry 3 months ago	( 0 votes) ( report abuse ) ( reply )

RE: see ya!
Landed, I think you have it wrong. It's not the business that is bad it's certain people who hang out there. Closing Angie's will result in gentrification because another NYC "style" restaurant will open in it's place (do you really think Tagla's will move into that high rent area?). Closing Angie's will accomplish two things (one good, one bad), getting rid of the troublesome riffraff and shutting the doors to a long standing Columbia City bar standing as one of a few earlier CC character locations. For all you who thing that something better could go in there, your logic is only partly true. The bar itself is just fine. It does what it's supposed to do: Sells drinks, beers and some food. It has done that consistently and has drawn a solid group of regulars. It would probably do even better if certain people were not there allowing the fearful to gain access. That is the real problem. It is some of the people who come there that makes it a scary place (which is only tangentially related to Angie's). If concerned neighbors and the city would do the right thing the bar would stay open and the unruly people would be forced away. Heck, I'd be all for a cop car parked right in front 24/7 and large groups of Columbia City citizens hanging out (not walking by across the street) on Angie's door step. The former would be a better use of our city's funds than going to court with Angie's lawyer and the ladder would get more people out to our local businesses. Win. Win. Win.
Comment by walter 3 months ago	( 0 votes) ( report abuse )

angie's
Even if they close the bar, it is not going to make the neighborhood any better. The crackheads will still be there forevermore....
Comment by preston123191 3 months ago	( 0 votes) ( report abuse ) ( reply )

RE: angie's
Crackheads are like mountains and oceans. Nothing will ever move them or get rid of them. They always were there and they always will be there.
Comment by six shooter 3 months ago	( 0 votes) ( report abuse )

Angie's
I think I'll stop in for a drink after work, I've never had a problem when I went to Angie's. Who is everyone going to blame after Angie's is gone and everyone is still getting mugged in Columbia City?
Comment by Mark B 3 months ago	( 0 votes) ( report abuse ) ( reply )

Very good news!
Very happy since I think something better could go in the space to clean it up and attract the right energy for a safe, vibrant neigborhood and every space in Col City does not need a liquor license if they are not going to respect the neighbors.
Comment by MJ 3 months ago	( 0 votes) ( report abuse ) ( reply )

it's not Angie's
It's definitely not Angie's that's the problem. It's the drug slingers and users/purchasers that are the problem. Has anyone noticed the sketchy characters taking over Lotties? Conveniently located within eye shot of Angie's so they can keep an eye on their shady business? Apparently they got the heads up about Angie's a few months ago and now seem to be running their business from Lotties. It's definitely not going to change just because Angie's is forced out. It definitely comes down to the community not tolerating this kind of thing.
Comment by nina 3 months ago	( 0 votes) ( report abuse ) ( reply )

my song
Angie, Angie When will those clouds all disappear? Angie, Angie Where will it lead us from here? With no loving in our souls And no money in our coats You can't say we're satisfied But Angie, Angie You can't say we never tried Angie, You're beautiful But ain't it time we said goodbye Angie, I still love you Remember all those nights we cried? All the dreams we held so close Seemed to all go up in smoke Let me whisper in your ear Angie, Angie Where will it lead us from here? Angie, don't you weep All your kisses still taste sweet I hate that sadness in your eyes But Angie, Angie Ain't it time we said goodbye?
Comment by Angie 3 months ago	( 0 votes) ( report abuse ) ( reply )

RE: my song
More like "Exile on Main Street". Or "Sympathy for the Devil". Or better still, "Got to scrape that shit right off your shoes".
Comment by Keith 3 months ago	( 0 votes) ( report abuse )