Waterbury, CT police shut down illegal bottle club, arrest three

WATERBURY — Police raided the “Cove” Social Club on 55 Store Avenue last night, seizing cash and liquor after responding to multiple complaints about the establishment operating illegally as a bottle club and staying open past legal operating hours.

During the sweep, which occurred on Nov. 2, officers confiscated a significant quantity of cash from unauthorized liquor sales and over 100 various bottles of liquor.

The raid followed a series of past and recent grievances filed against the club, alleging it was operating without the necessary permits and outside of permitted hours.

Callis Andrews, 61, the owner of the Cove, was among those arrested.

Andrews faces charges including the illegal operation of a bottle club without a permit, violating hours and days of sale regulations, and the illegal purchase of liquor for resale.

He is set to appear in court for arraignment on Nov. 15. Ikaiah Vasquez, 25, and Imani Ricks, 31, were also taken into custody on charges of illegal operation of a bottle club without a permit.

Both Vasquez, a Waterbury resident, and Ricks, from Bristol, are scheduled for arraignment on the same day as Andrews.

The Waterbury Police Department’s action underscores their commitment to enforcing the state’s alcohol laws and regulations.

Further details about the case will likely emerge during the upcoming court proceedings.