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https://www.amny.com/news/james-dolan-says-no-alcohol-at-rangers-game/

New York Rangers fans might be getting shut out from being served alcohol at Madison Square Garden for an upcoming game if James Dolan has his way. Dolan, the Executive Chairman of Madison Square Garden Sports Corporation, uttered the warning while rambling his way through a Thursday-morning interview with Fox 5 after he came under fire for his use of facial recognition software to prevent certain people from entering the famous New York City venue. The practice, which Dolan claims is strictly meant to prevent entry for lawyers who are currently suing his company, has drawn the ire of New York Attorney General Letitia James, who issued a letter stating that her office believes that attempts to dissuade individuals from filing discrimination complaints or encouraging those in active litigation to drop their lawsuits so they may access popular entertainment events at the Companys venues may violate state and city laws prohibiting retaliation. After not speaking to the media for almost four years, Dolan was compelled to appear publicly, so the Knicks and Rangers owner headed to Fox 5 to defend his use of the technology. The interview quickly devolved into chaos before Dolan explained a plan to defend Madison Square Garden by banning alcohol from an upcoming Rangers game. When pressed by Fox 5 anchor Rosanna Scotto about Dolan being threatened by the State Liquor Authority (SLA) over the improper use of facial recognition software, he said, that group is way over their skis Theyre being extremely aggressive, and theyre saying, Were gonna take away your liquor license. So I have a little surprise for them. Dolan then held up a handmade flyer that featured the photo and contact information for Sharirf Kabir, the Chief Executive Officer of the SLA.

Theyre doing this for publicity, so were gonna give them some publicity, Dolan said. What were gonna do is were gonna pick a night, maybe a Rangers game, and were gonna shut down all the liquor and alcohol in the building. After explaining that this wouldnt bother him since hes been sober for 29 years and doesnt need the liquor, Dolan went on to say that where we serve liquor, were gonna put one of these [flyers] up and say, If you would like to drink at a game, please call Sharif Kabir Sharirf Kabir, the Chief Executive Officer or write him an e-mailand tell him to stick to his knitting and what hes supposed to be doing. While Dolan might not need the liquor, deciding to shut down alcohol sales because of a personal squabble with local government may upset Rangers fans in attendance. Plus, giving the contact information of the SLAs CEO and attempting to mobilize MSG fans would undoubtedly be seen as an act of aggression. Theres also the fact that Dolan is attempting to bring Knicks and Rangers fans into a personal vendetta. In the United States, theres a thing called the Bill of Rights. In the Bill of Rights, youre allowed freedom of religion, youre allowed to own property, etc, Dolan said. This is just about owning property. You know, a bakery or restaurant, you get to say who you serve. For whatever reason. If theres someone you dont want to serve, you get to say, I dont want to serve you.' Now fans could be pulled into this personal conflict because Dolan feels The Garden has to defend itself.

This tweet sums up the interview: https://twitter.com/jangelooff/status/1618609433961205760