WEST CARTHAGE — A downtown bar got the go-ahead to reopen under new ownership during Wednesday’s village Planning Board meeting.

Marietta “Meme” Hofbauer told the board she is opening a sports bar similar to the former Long Shots at that location but with a more family-oriented atmosphere. She said she plans to have bands but with better control.

Before the vote, board Chairman Ronald J. Blinebry questioned the business owner about signage, occupancy and lighting for the new business, Bauer’s Bar and Grill. Occupancy is to remain the same at 81. The exterior lighting is being repaired and will point toward the ground but offer illumination for security. Mr. Blinebry requested he be informed when the lighting work was complete so he can inspect it.

Ms. Hofbauer said all paperwork for the business has been updated to reflect her leasing the building from property owner Gary R. Johnson.

She said in a previous interview that the only curse on the building at 19 Bridge St. is the history that came with the name Long Shots.

“It all has to do with the liquor license,” Ms. Hofbauer said. The state Alcoholic Beverage Control board “approved me and then they took it from me in the same day because of the history of the previous licensee.”

Long Shots closed down at the start of the year while Ms. Hofbauer began the process of taking over. Formerly Station II, Jeb’s II, Roma and most recently Long Shots Bar & Grill, the building has been plagued with legal problems and residential complaints.

The building will open solely for food sales as of Friday, seven days a week. Hours will be 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and will increase to 2 a.m. once a liquor license is obtained.

“It’s still going to be a couple of weeks for my liquor license, but we are getting there,” Ms. Hofbauer said.

“I’m not doing an outdoor liquor license. I didn’t even apply for it,” she said.

In a recent West Carthage Board of Trustees meeting, the issue was raised of prohibiting an outdoor liquor permit at the restaurant.

In response, Ms. Hofbauer said, “I’m willing to do anything I can to work with the village and local community to where I have a successful business, but I’m not going to interfere with their lives.”

A manager at the former Long Shots, Ms. Hofbauer said she learned from mistakes there.

“The last six months when I got it under control, we didn’t have the cops one time,” she said. “I plan on working with local authorities.”

As for repairs around the restaurant, the bathrooms now have working doors, plumbing behind the bar has been replaced and a crew pressure washed all the walls in the kitchen.

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