Community rallies for Rory Dolan’s

Community groups, churches, and youth organizations are just some of those gathering support to help Dolan during what is shaping up to be a long battle with the SLA.
Community members have been getting involved ever since the story hit the news in November, when the SLA and Yonkers police first served Dolan with papers barring the sale of alcohol on the premise.
Dolan has since received stays to keep his bar running, but is embroiled in hearings with the SLA to keep from having his license pulled or suspended.
A petition was passed around at the Kerrymen’s Installation Ball in Yonkers earlier this month, citing Dolan’s exemplary civic record and generosity to local groups, such as the Woodlawn Boys and Girls Club. The petition also notes the venue Rory Dolan’s provides to young local musicians.
Thomas Hanrahan, the newly installed president of the Association, said Rory Dolan’s was a valuable community resource, and appealed with the audience to support the place that supported the neighborhood.
The next hearing date is Jan. 31.
“We’re still in court,” acknowledged Dolan. “We’ve only just started.”
The SLA said the charges against Rory Dolan’s reach back to March of 2003, involving citations for serving intoxicated patrons, fights outside the bar, and underage drinking on the premises.
The bar was closed for one night and was able to reopen in the meanwhile.
“We’re in the middle of the hearing process,” said Kimberly Morela of the Liquor Authority. The two sides have at least two more scheduled hearings to present their cases.
The Liquor Authority is calling mainly Yonkers Police Officers to testify on their behalf.
“We’re trying to further prove the Authority’s case,” said Morella.
The Yonkers PD established a police task force about six years ago to patrol the Westchester side of McLean Avenue on weekend evenings. The area is dotted with Irish businesses.
Dolan’s attorney, Terrence Flynn Jr., said that when the Authority is done with their case, he plans present Dolan’s side.
Flynn said he will present any evidence of community support that is relevant to specific charges.
“There have been letters and phone calls to Rory and the premise,” said Flynn. “A great many in the community were surprised that the SLA decided to charge them.”
Morela said that this is not the last step in the process, and if Rory Dolan’s is found in guilty of violation, they have the option to appeal.
“They could lose the license, it could be suspended for a couple of months, or they could pay a fine,” said Morella. “
As far as the support goes, Dolan has been bowled over.
“This is without me looking for it,” he said. “It’s very, very nice of them.”
He said he has gotten numerous letters of support from numerous backers, “from politicians to priests.”
Dolan pointed out that his establishment often serves as a gathering point for many in the community, and hosts numerous functions that bring the tightly-knight Irish community together.
If the worst happens, Dolan says he and his business partners will not be the only ones to suffer.
“It would be an awful loss to the community,” he said.