Crime & Public Safety.
Investigators said the restaurant regularly sold alcoholic beverages despite their application for a liquor license being denied in October 2023.
The owner and manager of Pocha K-BBQ on Dekalb Pike in Whitpain Township are facing charges after investigators said the restaurant regularly sold alcoholic beverages despite their application for a liquor license being denied in October 2023.
Gabriel Kang, 40, and Hyemin Lee, 31, both of Lansdale, have been charged with misdemeanor counts of unlawful sales of liquor and unlicensed consumable malt/brewed beverages on premises following an investigation by the Pennsylvania Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement.
Investigators said they received an anonymous complaint in October 2023 that the restaurant was selling alcoholic beverages without a license. Court records indicate the owner — identified as Kang — had applied for a liquor license, however it was denied due to Montgomery County being over quota for R-Type liquor licenses.
A letter was sent to the restaurant on Oct. 5, 2023 stating their application had been denied, officials said.
Between Oct. 18, 2023 and Dec. 20, 2023, undercover investigators conducted multiple purchases of alcoholic drinks and to-go drinks from the restaurant, according to the criminal complaint. After the most recent purchase, investigators spoke with Kang about the alleged alcohol sales, and they agreed to schedule an in-person interview at a later date, the report states.
Investigators spoke with Kang on Feb. 27, at which time he initially said he wanted to accept full responsibility for the alcohol sales, before changing his story and stating that he’s rarely on premises and the manager – identified as Lee – was the main person in charge, the affidavit states. Kang added that he and Lee were aware the liquor license application was denied, but they didn’t instruct employees on how to handle alcohol sales, officials said.
Kang told investigators the alcohol was purchased in New York, then brought to the restaurant, according to the complaint. A subsequent interview was conducted with Lee, who also confirmed she was aware the license application was denied, investigators said.
Court records show charges were filed against Kang and Lee on April 16, and their first court appearance is a preliminary hearing on May 30 at 10:30 a.m. in front of Magisterial District Judge Suzan Leonard.
All suspects and defendants are innocent until proven guilty. This story was compiled using public court records.
