PORTLAND, Ore. - The state Liquor Control Commission is trying to revoke the liquor license for the Downtown Deli & Greek Cusina, a Portland landmark known for the purple octopus out front and lively atmosphere inside - including belly dancers and plenty of plate breaking.

Oregon Liquor Control Commission officials announced Wednesday that a history of public drunkenness, fights, harassment, excessive noise and public urination at the establishment at 404 S.W. Washington St. led to the action.

OLCC staff and Portland police officers apparently have met with the licensee several times in the past to get the issues corrected to no avail, according to an OLCC press release.

"Allowing fights and illegal activity to take place is not being a responsible business owner or neighbor," said Janice Kindrick, OLCC Regional Enforcement Manager, in a press release. "Despite our efforts to work with the licensee, they haven’t shown us that they’re able to adequately control the business."

In a March 21 notice to the owners of Greek Cusina, OLCC listed 34 separate incidents at the establishment since January 2007 that allegedly showed a "history of serious and persistent problems."

That included a brawl on Feb. 1 of this year involving more than 50 people, in which some patrons were pepper sprayed, one woman was bit and had hair pulled from her scalp and threats of guns were reported, the letter said.

Ted Papas, president of the company that owns the restaurant and bar, said Wednesday the company would defend itself against OLCC's accusations in order to keep its liquor license.

"I'm challenging those allegations," he said, declining to say more.

The company has 20 days to request a hearing before an administrative law judge, who makes a finding and forwards a proposed order to OLCC.

The commissioners, who ultimately decide whether to revoke the liquor license, do not necessarily have to follow the judge's findings, said Christie Scott, an OLCC spokeswoman, but they have to have a legal basis to make such a change.

A licensee can appeal any final OLCC decision to the state Court of Appeals.