Owner Explains Decision to Close Blind Tiger Pub

After nearly 13 years, the owner of the Blind Tiger Pub in the town of Union has decided to shut the place down and head south.

Glenn Nichols opened the Blind Tiger at 4402 Watson Boulevard in March 2005. On Tuesday morning, he posted signs on the entrances announcing the "business is now closed."

Nichols said he had been involved in a protracted lease dispute with the property owner. He said his legal fees totaled a quarter-million dollars. If the litigation continued, he said, he'd wind up paying even more.

Finally, Nichols said: "I just decided to walk away."

The 69-year-old Nichols expressed frustration with New York state government.

Nichols owes taxes and penalties to the state. He said New York officials are not proactive, preferring to penalize small business owners.

The Blind Tiger Pub this month was one of four Broome County establishments cited in a state police sting operation targeting underage alcohol sales. He criticized the State Liquor Authority, contending "their whole theory is to fine you to make money off you."

Now that he's closed the Blind Tiger, Nichols said he's "getting the f--- out of New York State." He said: "I can't stand this place any longer."

Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com

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