Remonstrance in the works for tavern

SHARON - A remonstrance hearing has been triggered over Jessica Kain's application for a tavern license for her Sharon Valley business.

The when and where have yet to be determined, according to John Suchy, director of the Liquor Control Division of the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection, but a hearing will be forthcoming.

The Liquor Division must first complete its own investigation into Kains application before scheduling a hearing.

"When the hearing date is set the agents for the remonstrants will be notified, Suchy said via e-mail. "A determination will be made at the time of the hearing as to whether or not a proper remonstrance has been filed against the application."

Those opposed to Kain's application have called into question her suitability to run such an establishment. They say they are concerned about potential crime and drug activity at the tavern if it were allowed to reopen under Kain's management.

Kain's father, Joseph Kain, owns the tavern and is currently serving a jail sentence for the sale of illegal substances.

Jefferson Martin, a Sharon Valley resident, was instrumental in launching the petition. He explains some of his concerns in a letter to the editor of The Journal this week (see page A11). The letter was co-authored by Martin and dozens of members of the community, Martin said.

"The Sharon Valley community, overwhelmingly, would welcome a tavern that could be a true neighborhood gathering place, as it was before Joseph Kain took over," Martin continued. "Jessica Kain has worked side by side with her father."

Martin said he and others are concerned that she might continue her father's business practices.

The 23-year-old Kain, who is seeking a graduate business degree from Marist College in Poughkeepsie, says she wants to clean the place up.