PORTLAND (AP) — A Portland bar that’s seen its share of trouble says it will no longer serve two brands of cognac, a ban questioned by some as racially motivated.
Police have recommended that Sangillo’s Tavern lose its liquor license, citing 23 calls in less than a year, including a shooting. The City Council will consider the recommendation Monday.
The Portland Press Herald (http://bit.ly/1i5u465 ) reported that Sangillo’s said in a letter to city officials that it will no longer serve Hennessy and Remy Martin because both were “related to detrimental conduct.”
Hennessy has a significant African-American customer base.
The president of the Portland NAACP called the cognac ban “odd.” A professor who researches stereotyping at Tufts University said it wouldn’t surprise him if the ban was racial.
Sangillo’s lawyer denies any racial motive behind the ban.
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