Seven Establishments' Liquor Licenses Suspended for Illegally Operating in Micro-Cluster Zones
279 Businesses' Liquor Licenses Have Been Suspended During Public Health Emergency
1,867 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 36 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 279. In total, 1,867 charges have been filed against bars and restaurants for violating rules meant to stop the spread and keep New Yorkers safe. 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.
Seven establishments' liquor licenses were suspended for illegally operating in state-designated micro-cluster zones, which are subject to stronger restrictions due to increased COVID spread in the community.
"New York still has one of the country's lowest infection rates and that is a testament to the toughness and unity of New Yorkers all doing what they can to limit spread. Unfortunately, however, some establishments have continued to ignore the rules, putting their customers, as well as their community as a whole, at risk," Governor Cuomo said. "If we let our guard down and ignore basic public health rules, this winter could be one of the darkest periods of this pandemic and we simply cannot let that happen. We know the vaccine is on the way, we know there is a light at the end of the tunnel, but if we let up now and become undisciplined, it's going to take us even longer to get there."
State Liquor Authority Chair Vincent Bradley said, "As we move into the colder weather and are forced indoors, it is imperative that businesses stay compliant across the state. New Yorkers must continue wearing masks, practicing social distancing, and following the life-saving protocols put into place to keep us all healthy."
The State Liquor Authority continues enforcement efforts statewide, with a specific focus on areas with dramatic increases in COVID-19 cases, including state-designated micro-cluster zones.
A county-by-county breakdown of the 36 establishments issued emergency orders of summary suspension from the State Liquor Authority Board is below.
In New York City:
• Bronx - 3
• Brooklyn - 4
• Manhattan - 4
• Queens - 8
• Staten Island - 4
Outside of New York City:
• Albany - 1
• Broome - 1
• Chautauqua - 1
• Erie - 2
• Nassau - 1
• Suffolk - 4
• Westchester - 3
A list of the 36 bars and restaurants suspended along with information on their violations and the date of their suspensions can be found here.
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 emergency suspensions were ordered by Chairman Bradley, Commissioner Lily Fan and Commissioner Greeley Ford at special meetings of the Full Board between October 23rd and December 6th, conducted by a digitally recorded video under social distancing guidelines.
Bronx - 3
“Plush 101” at 53 Westchester Square in the Bronx, on December 6, 2020 On December 5th, following community complaints, investigators with the state's multiagency task force and NYPD officers conducted an inspection of the premises. Despite finding the establishment's front roll-down gate closed in an attempt to conceal their operations, investigators were able to enter through a side door. Inside, investigators documented the bar in full operation nearly an hour past the mandatory 10:00 PM statewide closing time implemented to combat COVID, with 51 patrons crowded into a space that has a maximum occupancy of just 18 under COVID-related regulations. Investigators observed numerous patrons standing and mingling without facial coverings, patrons smoking hookah, and at least four employees without facial coverings. In addition, there was no evidence of any food being served.
“Café Serata” at 1808 Hone Avenue in the Bronx, on November 6, 2020 On November 6th, SLA investigators conducted an inspection of the premises, finding employees without facial coverings and alcohol being served without food, in violation of COVID-related rules implemented to prevent bar-like congregation that has led to COVID spikes in other states. This establishment is a repeat offender -- their liquor license was previously suspended on April 1, 2020 after egregious violations of COVID related regulations continued following repeated warnings. Their license was reinstated earlier this year after the licensee agreed to pay a $35,000 fine and abide by all Executive Orders.
“El Jaguar Restaurant” at 536 East 138th Street in the Bronx, on November 1, 2020 On October 30th, investigators with the SLA and NYPD officers found approximately 50 patrons inside the premises, nearly three times the legal limit under COVID-related regulations. Those inside were standing, dancing and drinking without facial coverings while ignoring social distancing. Investigators also documented five employees without facial coverings, tables spaced less than six feet apart, and the premises illegally selling hookah, including nicotine hookah which is prohibited even with a valid hookah permit. The establishment attempted to conceal its illegal operations, including by closing the front roll-down gate and placing a tarp over the outdoor dining structure in an effort to appear to be closed.
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