Mayor Walsh's Request to Revoke Lookers Special Permit Granted

Published on September 08, 2023

State Supreme Court Justice Rory McMahon finds Lookers and its owner, Kevin Quinn, in civil contempt and revokes special permit

Justice schedules November hearing to consider the City’s criminal contempt motion and jail time for Quinn

State Supreme Court Justice Rory McMahon today granted Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh’s request to revoke the special permit for Lookers Showclub at 1400 North Salina Street. Justice McMahon held Lookers and its owner, Kevin Quinn, in civil contempt for their repeated failure to comply with its permitted operating hours and the Court’s previous order. 

State Supreme Court Justice Rory McMahon today granted Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh’s request to revoke the special permit for Lookers Showclub at 1400 North Salina Street. Justice McMahon held Lookers and its owner, Kevin Quinn, in civil contempt for their repeated failure to comply with its permitted operating hours and the Court’s previous order.

The City presented overwhelming evidence to the Court that Lookers repeatedly violated the special permit by operating on Sundays and after 2 a.m. on other days of the week. The City demonstrated to the Court that Lookers had consistently ignored its order requiring the club to abide by the hours in its permit. Under Justice McMahon’s order, Quinn and Lookers must cease operations as a restaurant with live entertainment.

“Lookers flagrantly and willfully ignored the terms of its special permit and the orders of the Court. Its practices have been a detriment to the neighborhood and the city,” said Mayor Walsh. “Judge McMahon’s finding sends a clear message: these behaviors will not be tolerated.”

Justice McMahon scheduled a hearing on Nov. 20 at 2:30 p.m. to consider the City’s motion to hold Lookers and Quinn in criminal contempt. The City has requested the Court assess fines and place Quinn in jail for 30 days for failing to abide by the Court’s order.