What’s going on at popular izakaya and sushi restaurant Kushi? Well, that’s been a source of some contention this afternoon. A passerby spotted this notice in the restaurant’s window, indicating that its retail license has been suspended. But according to Kushi’s public relations rep, they have spoken with owner Darren Norris and “all is fine” at the restaurant.

“They do have a liquor license and are open for business (dinner starts at 5:30),” said a spokesperson via email. “They were closed for lunch today for an unrelated reason but are open and running…liquor and all.” The restaurant also tweeted earlier this afternoon that they would be open and are “excited for a fun happy hour tonight!”

We’re relieved to hear that the issue is apparently minor enough to continue service; we’re fans of the restaurant’s chawanmushi, and its heavenly otoro nigiri made our list of 2010’s best dishes. We’re also glad they can carry on with their Japanese earthquake relief fundraising.