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WILKES-BARRE — The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board has received an application for the transfer of the liquor license at the former Bart and Urby’s on South Main Street.
It appears that a bar offering live entertainment will open on the site as the application is for a transfer of the license, not a transfer of location. The application also requests an amusement permit.
The notice of the application is taped to a window at the former popular city venue. The applicant is listed as Kay Jay Enterprises, LLC. The license is currently held by Michelina Enterprises, Inc.
Efforts to reach attorneys reportedly involved with the applicant were not successful Tuesday. William Harris, the city’s zoning officer, said he has not received any application or notice regarding the former business.
Brian Urbanas, owner of the popular downtown Wilkes-Barre bar, died Jan. 25 following a years-long struggle with multiple sclerosis.
Opened in 2005, Bart and Urby’s became a de facto home base for much of the Northeastern Pennsylvania underground music scene, with numerous bands that found their footing in the bar going on to have successful careers.
Shortly after Urbanas’ death, the family announced the business would close permanently and they planned to sell the building.
