All tapped out

NEW GLASGOW - A popular pub and restaurant in the downtown has been locked up, likely for good, for failing to keep up with lease payments.
Enforcement officers shut down and locked the doors at Fibbers Pub and Eatery Saturday morning. A notice posted on the front door of the establishment states that the owner of the building, which in this case is the Town of New Glasgow, had exercised it's "right to terminate the lease and repossess the premises."
The town's chief administrative officer, Lisa MacDonald, confirmed that the town ended the lease because of "outstanding payments," owed by the leaseholder, listed as Spaquito Marketing Inc.
When asked if any efforts were made by either the town or on the part of Fibbers' owners to come to terms and keep the bar open, MacDonald said, "The options were provided and the terms of those options were not met."
We were going to allow operation until August 31, had conditions been met - but that didn't take place."
Fibbers' lease had been in place since January 2005 and was set to expire in 2014. In?recent years, the bar established?itself as a venue for live musicians for both local and visiting acts.
MacDonald did not say exactly how much the town is owed in back payment. "It's certainly a substantial amount."
The building is currently locked, along with everything in it - freezers, cooking equipment and such. MacDonald said an exception was made for some rental equipment and musical gear.
"(New Glasgow Police Service) allowed the entry to secure the band equipment that would not have been (the tenant's) equipment," she said. "There was some H&R Music rental equipment that was also released."
Aaron Pellerine, one of the bar's owners was reached Monday afternoon, but gave no comment.
"There's no comments being made now, they're still in negotiations. We'll let you know when we have something solid," he said.
It's uncertain what future there is for the George Street building. MacDonald said the town considers it a heritage property.
"We will be issuing public opportunities to rent the space and we'll be putting some terms and conditions in with regard to that opportunity in place," she said. "There is a future for it … but the current lease has been terminated."