Controversies
Controversies tied to this brand in public sources. A listing is not a finding of fault.
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2026
VENU owner files lawsuit against City of Buffalo over Chippewa Street under-21 restrictions
Lawsuit filed
VENU owner Gregory Kales filed a lawsuit against the City of Buffalo, arguing that the Chippewa Street event center should be allowed to continue hosting patrons under 21 as city officials intensify enforcement in the Chippewa entertainment district. The city sent VENU a cease and desist letter in August contending that it needed to submit a special use permit to allow patrons aged 18 to 21 to commingle and had failed to do so. VENU's attorney argues that the venue has operated as an event center with the required permits since 2016, and VENU maintains that its customers are not responsible for the district's public safety problems.
VENU owner Gregory Kales has filed a lawsuit against the City of Buffalo, arguing the Chippewa Street event center should be allowed to continue hosting patrons under 21 as city officials intensify enforcement in the Chippewa entertainment district. The city sent VENU a cease and desist letter in August contending it needed to submit a special use permit to allow patrons aged 18 to 21 to commingle and had failed to do so. VENU's attorney argues the venue has operated as an event center with the required permits since 2016 and VENU maintains its customers are not responsible for the district's public safety problems.
Stated objective. That VENU be allowed to continue hosting patrons under 21 as an event center rather than being subject to restrictions barring patrons under 21 like at a bar or tavern
Company response
Denial — VENU
Source excerpt
The owner of VENU has filed a lawsuit against the City of Buffalo, arguing it should be allowed to continue hosting patrons under 21 as city officials intensify enforcement efforts in the Chippewa entertainment district.
The city sent a cease and desist letter to VENU in August, contending that it needs to submit a special use permit to allow co-mingling for people 18 to 21 at its establishment and had failed to do so.