Tony's Cafe, a longtime fixture on West Main Street in Carnegie, was closed yesterday after state Liquor Control Enforcement agents said the bar was operating without a valid liquor license.

Mike Manko, a spokesman for the Allegheny County district attorney's office, said authorities were investigating a bartender suspected of dealing the drug Oxycontin on the premises when they learned that the bar's liquor license had expired some time ago.

Officers attempted to serve arrest warrants for Mickel Ballard, 39, yesterday, but he was not there, Mr. Manko said. LCE agents then removed the tavern's bar equipment.

The owner of the bar could not be reached for comment.

Carnegie police Chief Jeffrey Harbin said the bar was closed last night for the first time in his memory.

Chief Harbin said police still were searching for Mr. Ballard last night.

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