Anaheim bikini bar’s alcohol license suspended 35 days for violations including lewd conduct, overcharging patrons

Authorities temporarily ordered an Anaheim bikini bar to halt alcohol sales after it was cited for multiple violations on Tuesday, Jan. 8.

California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control agents announced in a statement they had immediately suspended the liquor license of Sugars Bikini Bar, 405 S. Brookhurst St., for 35 days following a joint investigation with the Anaheim Police Department. Authorities said they had observed numerous unlawful activities at the establishment.

The business was found to have permitted servers to overcharge patrons for drinks in exchange for employees’ company, and illegal lewd acts were taking place in public view within the establishment, according to the statement. It also said that a minor was allowed to enter and remain inside the bar on at least one occasion and drinks had been served illegally.

“Such practices can contribute to the over-service of alcohol and other violations of law,” the ABC agency said in a statement.

The suspension was a result of actions taken by three former employees in 2016 and early 2017 who were fired shortly after the incidents occurred, said Sugars’ owner, Candy Chatchaiyan. She declined to comment on the specific nature of those acts and said she was not present at the bar when they happened.

“I commend ABC and Anaheim police for doing their job and handling things the way they have,” she said in a statement. “The whole suspension served to be an eye-opener and has taught me a lesson on how to be a more responsible business owner.”

She said she intends to exercise more oversight over her employees, and hopes to keep Sugars open during the suspension. The bar will serve water, coffee and non-alcoholic beer while offering live entertainment, but Chatchaiyan said she may have to reduce weekday operating hours if business slows down.

Regulators have placed Sugars under probation for the next three years, in addition to the temporary suspension of the firm’s liquor license, according to the statement. Sugars may be permanently barred from serving alcoholic drinks if future violations occur.

“We will keep moving forward and try to collaborate more with the city and police to make sure nothing like this ever happens again,” said Chatchaiyan.