State will not renew Last Call’s liquor license; appeal expected

The state is refusing to renew the liquor license of the downtown nightclub Last Call.

A ruling released this morning by the Kansas Alcoholic Beverage Control Division found that Last Call’s management “fostered an environment” where “illegal drug activities frequently occur.”

ABC Director Tom Groneman also found that the club was obstructing justice by frequently warning patrons that police officers were entering the club.

The club, 729 N.H., can not operate without a state liquor license, but it is not likely that the club will immediately close.

That is because Last Call owner Dennis Steffes has the right to appeal the ABC’s ruling to the Secretary of the Kansas Department of Revenue, and ultimately can appeal the ruling in district court.

Steffes’ attorney has previously said an appeal process could take two to three years.

More on the story later today.