Bar faces penalties after profane song

GOLDEN, Colo., Dec. 22 (UPI) -- Officials in a Colorado city said a bar could have its liquor license suspended after its co-owner took to the stage with a profanity-laced song.

Murray Martinez, co-owner of the Buffalo Rose Saloon in Golden, said his profane cover of Neil Young's "Rockin' in the Free World" on the outside patio of his bar Aug. 17 was a "political statement" about recent noise complaints, but it went unappreciated by residents of the Gateway Station condos about a half block from the business, The Denver Post reported Tuesday.

Police said they visited the bar after condo residents complained but they found the music was not too loud. However, Murray was issued a ticket for disturbing the peace when officers were called to the bar for a second time the same night.

The charge was dropped but the case was referred to the Golden Local Licensing Authority, which said noise and public disturbance complaints can be ruled as violations of the terms of a liquor license.

Officials said Martinez could face a suspension of his license but they said it is unlikely to be revoked. A ruling on the case is expected in January, officials said.