Swedish Fish Withdraws SLA Application for 168 Bowery

Swedish Fish was to argue their case before the State Liquor Authority authority yesterday for on-premise privileges at 168 Bowery (at Kenmare). But ownership withdrew the application last-minute, irking the “valiant opposition” who trekked up to Harlem for the proceeding.

We received the following communique from one attendee:

Not until after arriving at SLA headquarters on lenox ave. at the appointed hour were the valiant members of the opposition to the wretched application at 168 bowery (1032 lexington rest. tbd/swedish fish) informed that the application had been withdrawn.  At the eleventh hour!  This should incur some kind of penalty for the applicant.

You’ll recall that Swedish Fish, born from the loins of Brinkley’s and Southside Night Club, was pitched as a “Scandinavian cafe-restaurant with a focus on healthy, sustainable menu items.” Principals couldn’t secure approval through Community Board 2 back in January, however, and are instead circumventing the system (CBs are advisory). They’ll be back soon enough.  Which calls into question the practice of withdrawing at the zero hour, oftentimes a tactic to drain any opposition. Our tipster feels that there should be some sort of penalty incurred against the licensee. Time and resources wasted, perhaps?