201 Businesses' Liquor Licenses Have Been Suspended During Public Health Emergency
Multi-Agency Task Force Conducted Over 4,500 Compliance Checks This Week, Observing 14 Additional Violations in New York City and on Long Island
1,084 Charges Have Been Filed and Processed To Date; Updated List of Suspensions and Charges Available HERE
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the state has suspended liquor licenses for 33 additional bars and restaurants in New York State after finding egregious violations of pandemic-related Executive Orders, bringing the total number of liquor licenses suspended during the coronavirus pandemic to 201. Between Monday and Thursday nights, the state's multi-agency task force, led by the State Police and State Liquor Authority, conducted 4,645 compliance checks, documenting violations at 14 establishments -- proof positive that the state's enhanced enforcement activities are driving down the number of establishments flouting the state's pandemic-related health and safety rules. Businesses found in violation of COVID-19 regulations face fines up to $10,000 per violation, while egregious violations can result in the immediate suspension of a bar or restaurant's liquor license.
With the return of college students for the fall semester, Governor Cuomo has directed the State Liquor Authority to increase efforts to ensure bars and restaurants in areas where college students gather are abiding by all public health measures. To date, this enforcement effort has found egregious violations in Cortland, Dutchess, Madison, Monroe, Oswego and Schenectady counties -- with violation leading to the summary suspension of the establishment's license. With significant outbreaks linked to colleges and universities across the nation, these stepped-up efforts will help keep our students, faculty, staff, and the surrounding communities safe.
"New Yorkers have worked together to stop the spread of coronavirus -- but with our infection rate hovering around 1 percent and the threat of a second wave on the horizon, we must double down on the successful strategies that have helped us over the last six months," Governor Cuomo said. "While it is clear the increased enforcement by our task force has made an impact, we cannot let ourselves become complacent or allow those coming from other states to import indifference for these critical public health rules. This action should serve as a reminder to the small number of establishments who openly flout the rules that they are putting all New Yorkers at risk, and they will be held accountable."
State Liquor Authority Chair Vincent Bradley said, "Under Governor Cuomo's leadership, our task force has made a real impact and we are seeing better compliance. We will continue to crack down on the small number of businesses that continue to operate in violation of the law and common sense -- risking both New Yorkers' health and our continued progress."
The 33 establishments issued emergency orders of summary suspension from the State Liquor Authority Board are located in New York City, Long Island, Mid-Hudson, Finger Lakes, Capital Region and Central New York. A county breakdown is below:
In New York City:
- Bronx - 1
- Brooklyn - 2
- Manhattan - 6
- Queens - 12
- Richmond - 1
Outside of New York City:
- Albany - 1
- Cortland - 1
- Dutchess - 1
- Madison - 1
- Monroe - 1
- Nassau - 1
- Schenectady - 1
- Suffolk - 3
- Westchester - 1
The emergency suspensions were ordered by Chairman Bradley, Commissioner Lily Fan and Commissioner Greeley Ford at special meetings of the Full Board between August 29th and September 13th, conducted by a digitally recorded video under social distancing guidelines. Emergency Summary Suspensions are imposed when the SLA finds the continued operation of a licensed business threatens public health and safety. Suspension orders are served immediately and remain in effect indefinitely, with the maximum penalty including the permanent revocation of the license and fines of up to $10,000 per violation. Licensees subject to an emergency suspension are entitled to an expedited hearing before an SLA Administrative Law Judge.
The 33 bars and restaurants suspended are listed below, along with information on their violations and the date of their suspensions.
"Belle Harbor Yacht Club" at 533 Beach 126th Street in Queens, on August 29, 2020
On August 28th, following complaints of a large gathering, investigators with the state's multi-agency task force observed approximately eighty patrons standing, drinking and congregating in a parking lot outside the premises, ignoring social distancing guidelines. Approximately twenty-five individuals were observed without facial coverings.
"Karvouna Mezze" 241 Bowery in Manhattan, on August 29, 2020
On August 28th, investigators with the state's multi-agency task force observed a guitar player and a singer without a facial coverings performing outside the premises. Approximately twenty patrons -- most without facial coverings -- were drinking, dancing and violating social distancing regulations.
"SoHo KTV & Bar" at 32-02 Linden Place in Queens, on September 1, 2020
On August 30th, the New York City Sheriff's Office responded to the location following complaints the bar was open and operating with patrons inside, in violation of the Governor's Executive Orders. The Sheriff's Office reported observing a group of forty to fifty patrons exiting the building from an emergency exit as officers arrived. Officers inspected the karaoke rooms inside the premises and found evidence patrons had just left, including left over food and partially-consumed bottles of alcohol. Another twenty-three patrons, along with the manager, were found by officers on the roof of the premises.
"CJ Diamond Café" at 41-02 College Point Boulevard in Queens, on September 2, 2020
On September 1st, the New York City Sheriff's Office arrived at the location at approximately 11:30 p.m in response to a complaint of people inside the premises and observed a group of people entering the establishment. Upon entering, officers found thirty patrons inside and witnessed between seventy-five and one hundred additional patrons departing the premises through an emergency exit. Officers found two rooms inside the premises with patrons singing, drinking and several smoking -- in clear violation of the Governor's Executive Orders, which have prohibited indoors service since March 16th and the NYS Clean Indoor Air Act.
"La Troncalena Lounge & Restaurant" at 102-10 37th Avenue in Queens, on September 2, 2020
On August 30th, investigators with the state's multi-agency task force observed six patrons drinking inside, multiple employees without masks, and ten to fifteen patrons outside drinking and not socially distancing, one of which was singing karaoke, all in flagrant violation of multiple Governor's Executive Orders including one in place since March 16, 2020.
"Black Emperor Bar" at 197 2nd Avenue in Manhattan, on September 2, 2020
On August 31st, investigators with the state's multi-agency task force observed in excess of eight patrons standing, drinking and congregating in front of the licensed premises. Inside, investigators observed three patrons sitting and drinking at the bar and one patron standing inside with a drink in his hand, all in flagrant violation of the Governor's Executive Order in place since March 16, 2020.
"Las Lagunas Deli Grocery" at 281 Saint Nicholas Avenue in Queens, on September 4, 2020
On September 2nd, NYPD officers found nine individuals inside this grocery store -- which is not permitted to serve alcohol for on-premises consumption at all -- drinking and violating social distancing regulations. Officers also discovered two illegal gambling video game devices inside the premises.
"Taqueria Diana" at 524 9th Avenue in Manhattan, on September 4, 2020
On September 2nd, investigators with the state's multi-agency task force observed five patrons drinking inside the premises, in flagrant violation of the Governor's Executive Order, which has prohibited indoors dining in New York City since March 16, 2020. The patrons were not wearing facial coverings or practicing social distancing, and both the bartender and a kitchen employee were also observed without facial coverings. The business is a repeat offender, with investigators observing two patrons inside the premises on July 28th.
"We Go KTV" at 36-10 Union Street in Queens, on September 4, 2020
On September 4th, in response to 311 complaints of loud thumping music emanating from the premises, investigators with the state's multi-agency task force and officers with the NYPD observed six patrons in the lobby entering the premises. Upon entering the third floor of the establishment, investigators discovered a crowd estimated to be in excess of one-hundred patrons. After the patrons began rushing out the emergency exit, the inspection team required backup from the 109th Precinct, and NYPD officers subsequently arrested of two individuals for possession of ketamine and issued two criminal court summonses for "disorderly premise," including a lack of social distancing and patrons not wearing facial coverings throughout the establishment.
"Sabor Norteno" at 102-06 43rd Avenue on Queens, on September 5, 2020
On September 4th, investigators with the state's multi-agency task force observed over twenty-seven patrons inside the premises consuming alcohol in flagrant violation of the Governor's Executive Order in place since March 16, 2020, which prohibits indoor dining in New York City.
"The Skinny Bar Lounge" at 174 Orchard Street in Manhattan, on September 5, 2020
On September 4th, investigators with the state's multi-agency task force observed over twenty patrons without facial coverings standing directly in front of the premises, drinking without food; one employee without a facial covering; and seven patrons approximately fifty feet from the premises without facial coverings drinking alcohol.
"Sushiva" at 615 9th Street in Manhattan, on September 5, 2020
On September 4th, investigators with the state's multi-agency task force observed six patrons drinking and eating inside the establishment, in flagrant violation of the Governor's Executive Order in place since March 16, 2020, which prohibits indoor dining in New York City. Sushiva's liquor license had just been issued three months earlier, on June 1, 2020.
"Zurang" at 41-14 162nd Street in Queens, on September 7, 2020
On September 3rd, investigators with the state's multi-agency task force observed approximately a dozen patrons dining inside the premises, in addition to another dozen in six separate, permanently constructed rooms in the rear patio, all in flagrant violation of the indoor dining restrictions in place since March 16, 2020.
"Marco's" at 1071 Broadway in Brooklyn, on September 7, 2020
On September 4th, investigators with the state's multi-agency task force observed thirty-seven patrons drinking without food in the rear yard of the premises, an area with a maximum occupancy of just eighteen. Investigators also observed additional patrons purchasing drinks from a walkup bar, in clear violation of the Governor's Executive Orders.
"Kochi" at 652 10th Avenue in Manhattan, on September 9, 2020
On September 7th, investigators with the state's multi-agency task force observed approximately twenty patrons directly outside the premises, standing, drinking and ignoring social distancing regulations, most without facial coverings. Investigators entered the premises and observed approximately thirty patrons and servers inside the premises, in flagrant violation of the Governor's Executive Order prohibiting indoor dining in New York City since March 16, 2020.
"Casa Rubio Restaurant" at 98-05 Northern Boulevard in Queens, on September 9, 2020
On September 9th, an investigator with the state's multi-agency task force and NYPD officers observed twenty-seven patrons dining inside the restaurant in violation of the indoor dining restrictions in effect since March 16, 2020. Investigators also observed at least thirty patrons dining outdoors at back-to-back tables with no social distancing and two employees without facial coverings. Investigators also observed seven patrons without facial coverings waiting to enter the premises and a DJ set up indoors, in violation of their license.
"Klassique Bar & Lounge" at 3813-3817 Boston Road in the Bronx, on September 9, 2020
On September 5th, investigators with the state's multi-agency task force observed approximately seventy patrons congregating outside the premises, with over half of the patrons standing and drinking near outdoor tables. Investigators also observed one patron inside the premises drinking and a member of the waitstaff without a facial covering.
"Sunny Grocery & Discount" at 131-13 Jamaica Avenue in Queens, on September 11, 2020
On September 10th, investigators with the state's multi-agency task force and NYPD officers found the grocery store -- which is not permitted to serve alcohol for on-premises consumption at all -- operating as a bar, with five patrons drinking in a back room of the premises, and an illegal, makeshift urinal set up in the backyard for patrons. NYPD officers arrested the licensee, charging him with operating an unlicensed bottle club and for selling untaxed cigarettes.
"3 in 1 Deli Grocery" at 131-11 Jamaica Avenue in Queens, on September 11, 2020
On September 10th, investigators with the state's multi-agency task force and officers with the NYPD observed the premises' manager without a facial covering and two patrons drinking inside the establishment without food, in violation of the indoor service restrictions in effect since March 16, 2020. An additional seven patrons were consuming alcohol and violating social distancing regulations in an unauthorized indoor structure in the backyard. In addition, an open bottle of hard liquor, prescription medication, and cigarettes were found at the establishment, even though their license only authorizes the sale of beer. NYPD officers issued criminal court summonses to the manager for criminal diversion of prescription medication, sale of cigarettes without a license, and failure to comply with Executive Orders regarding indoor service and employees without facial coverings.
"Blue Bar & Grill" at 30 North Broadway in Yonkers, on September 11, 2020
On September 9th, in response to numerous complaints of excessive noise and social distancing violations, the Yonkers Police Department and Yonkers Fire Department conducted a compliance check of the premises, finding a DJ playing extremely loud music with one-hundred-nineteen patrons crowded inside the bar with a maximum occupancy of just sixty-two under the Department of Health's indoor service guidelines. Officers reported a total lack of social distancing inside the bar, with numerous patrons not wearing facial coverings and mingling and drinking throughout the premises. Officers additionally noted no food was being served and found the businesses' food permit had expired.
"Joyce's Tavern" at 3823-3825 Richmond Avenue on Staten Island, on September 12, 2020
On September 11th, investigators with the state's multi-agency task force observed a table of ten patrons inside the premises consuming beverages and another table of one eating and drinking inside -- violating the indoor dining restrictions in effect since March 16, 2020.
"Suenos Americano Bar Restaurant" at 35-14 & 35-16 Junction Boulevard in Queens, on September 13, 2020
On September 12th, NYPD officers responding to noise complaints after 1: found the premises and front gate closed. Upon observing a patron exit the premises from a side entrance, officers gained entry to find approximately 75 individuals being herded out of an indoor basement bar area -- operating in flagrant violation of the Governor's Executive Order in place since March 16, 2020 restricting indoor dining in New York City. Officers report no food being served and employees not wearing facial coverings, while pictures reflect dozens of patrons present without facial coverings and ignoring social distancing regulations. Officers also witnessed DJ's packing up equipment even though this licensee is not permitted to have a DJ or operate as a nightclub.
"Patrizia Pizza" at 35 Broadway in Brooklyn, on September 13, 2020
On September 12th, investigators with the state's multi-agency task force observed a group of at least 26 patrons at two tables directly outside the premises, in violation of Department of Health and SLA social distancing rules. Inside, investigators observed patrons at six tables eating and drinking, in flagrant violation of the Governors' Executive Order in place since March 16, 2020 restricting indoor dining in New York City.
Those outside of New York City are not listed except for the one in Yonkers.
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