Multi-Agency Task Force Conducted Over 3,000 Compliance Checks Friday through Sunday Night, Observing 106 Additional Violations
596 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 19 New York State bars after finding egregious violations of pandemic-related Executive Orders. Over the weekend, the state's multi-agency task force, led by the State Police and State Liquor Authority, conducted 3,047 compliance checks, documenting violations at 106 establishments. 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.
"We continue to see situations that are just not intelligent and local governments have to crack down on these, whether they're in New York City or Long Island or upstate New York," Governor Cuomo said. "Bars and restaurants that continue to act irresponsibly are disrespectful, engaging in illegal behavior, and not only violating public health, but they are violating common decency. Protecting the health and safety of New Yorkers remains our number one priority, and we will continue to take aggressive enforcement actions against businesses that violate the law."
State Liquor Authority Chair Vincent Bradley said, "Blatantly ignoring public health and safety is inexcusable and the State Liquor Authority will continue to seek out and shut down businesses refusing to comply to the Governor's Executive Orders."
The 19 establishments issued emergency orders of summary suspension from the State Liquor Authority Board during meetings on July 31st, August 1st, and August 2nd are:
"The New Elbo Room" at 170 Delaware Avenue in Albany, on August 2, 2020
On July 30th, investigators with the state's multi-agency task force conducted an undisclosed compliance check of the premises finding the bar crowded with patrons mingling, drinking and walking around the premises without facial coverings. Numerous sales of alcohol to patrons without food were observed, with the bartender informing investigators they only needed to purchase chips with alcohol. Investigators also observed patrons playing pool, and witnessed several patrons exiting the premises with alcoholic beverages without food. At no time during the inspection did investigators observe employees ask patrons to be seated, wear masks, not to stand and drink at the bar, or maintain social distancing.
"Tequila Sunrise" at 132 West Fordham Road in the Bronx, on August 2, 2020
On July 25th, investigators with the state's multi-agency task force observed five employees without facial coverings, including the manager, two servers, a bouncer and a DJ. On August 1st, the SLA received a referral from the NYPD that on July 23rd and 24th, the premises was in full operation after New York City's 11 p.m. curfew for outside service, with over one-hundred-fifty patrons gathered outside the business, standing and drinking without facemasks, smoking hookah, with loud music playing with cars double parked in the street blocking traffic. The NYPD issued a summons on July 24th.
"Brothers Taverna" at 23-01 Steinway Street in Astoria, on August 2, 2020
On August 1st, investigators with the state's multi-agency task force observed a band playing with a crowd of approximately twenty-five patrons standing and dancing in front of the establishment without facial coverings, ignoring social distancing guidelines and consuming alcoholic beverages from clear plastic cups with no lids.
"La Sabrosura" at 25A East 170 Street in the Bronx, on August 2, 2020
On July 31st, investigators with the state's multi-agency task force observed a DJ without a facial covering playing music in the street encouraging patrons congregate. Investigators documented four employees not wearing face coverings, over ten patrons at tables not properly spaced apart, patrons standing, ignoring social distancing guidelines and alcohol being sold on the premises and "to go" without any food, with the kitchen not operational during the inspection.
"Bettolona" at 3143 Broadway in Manhattan, on August 2, 2020
On August 1st, investigators with the state's multi-agency task force observed nine patrons sitting inside the restaurant eating and consuming alcohol. Additionally, an employee in the kitchen was observed cooking without a facial covering.
"21 Greenpoint" at 21 Greenpoint Avenue in Brooklyn, on August 2, 2020
On August 1st, investigators with the state's multi-agency task force observed two patrons inside the premises eating and drinking at the bar without facial coverings. Investigators also observed a crowd congregating directly outside the premises with two patrons without facial coverings standing and eating in addition to an unauthorized sidewalk table next to curb side.
"Posh" at 405 West 51st Street in Manhattan, on August 2, 2020
On August 1st, investigators with the state's multi-agency task force observed approximately thirty patrons gathered outside the restaurant, ignoring social distancing guidelines with numerous patrons standing and drinking, in addition to employees without facial coverings.
"Lasagna Restaurant" at 196 8th Avenue aka 258 West 20th Street in Manhattan, on August 1, 2020
On July 31st, investigators with the state's multi-agency task force observed five patrons sitting at the bar inside the premises consuming alcohol. The bartender, identified as the manager, was found serving the patrons without a facial covering.
"Congress" at 208 Court Street in Brooklyn, on August 1, 2020
On July 31st, investigators with the state's multi-agency task force observed eleven patrons directly in front of the premises drinking alcohol without food. Additionally, two customers were observed receiving alcoholic beverages to-go in open containers without food.
"Made in Mexico" at 3950 10th Avenue in Manhattan, on August 1, 2020
On July 31st, investigators with the state's multi-agency task force observed approximately seventy-five patrons gathered in a nightclub-like-atmosphere in the outdoor dining area, ignoring social distancing guidelines, numerous patrons drinking while standing, with tables not properly spaced apart and numerous patrons and employees without facial coverings.
"Fokkus Room & Cucine" at 136-138 West Fordham Road in the Bronx, on August 1, 2020
On July 28th, investigators with the state's multi-agency task force observed the premises in full operation after New York City's 11 p.m. curfew for outside service with approximately forty-five individuals congregating in front of the sidewalk of the establishment and into the roadway, not socially distanced, not seated at tables and not wearing facemasks. One server was observed not wearing a face mask and the business had unlawfully expanded its footprint by placing tables in front of a neighboring business.
"Pazza Notte" at 1375A Avenue of the Americas in Manhattan, on August 1, 2020
On July 28th, investigators with the state's multi-agency task force observed nine patrons standing on the sidewalk in front of the premises without facial coverings, with three observed ordering and consuming alcohol from a makeshift bar at this licensee's premises without any food.
"Shinsen" at 44 Bowery in Manhattan, on July 31, 2020
On July 30th, investigators with the state's multi-agency task force observed at least 35 individuals, the majority not wearing masks or following social distancing protocols, consuming alcoholic beverages inside the restaurant without food present. Investigators also observed lap dances being performed by topless females without facemasks inside the premises, which is not approved for adult entertainment.
"Capelli's Café" at 107-11 Northern Boulevard in Corona, on July 31, 2020
On July 25th, investigators with the state's multi-agency task force observed the premises operating after New York City's 11 p.m. curfew for outside service, with at least 30 patrons seated and 8 patrons standing in the outdoor dining area, ignoring social distancing guidelines, with both employees and patrons observed not wearing facial coverings and no food being served. Additionally, on July 30th the SLA received a referral that on July 27th, NYPD officers responding to a 911 call observed four people, including the restaurant's manager, inside the premises consuming alcohol without face masks.
"Marina Café" at 154 Mansion Avenue on Staten Island, on July 31, 2020
On July 28th, investigators with the state's multi-agency task force observed twenty patrons in addition to five employees inside the premises without facial coverings. Investigators also observed at least ten tables where patrons were consuming alcohol with no evidence of food being served or having been consumed.
"True Colors" at 7915 Roosevelt Avenue in Jackson Heights, on July 31, 2020
On July 25th, investigators with the state's multi-agency task force observed approximately twenty patrons standing in front of the location without facial coverings, ignoring social distancing guidelines, and no food being served. Investigators also noted DJ playing music on the sidewalk without a facemask and outdoor tables extended out in front of a neighboring business. True Colors is a repeat offender, with pending charges for EO violations on July 18th.
"Amata" at 209 15 East 56th Street in Manhattan, on July 31, 2020
On July 30th, investigators with the state's multi-agency task force observed eight patrons at four separate tables inside the restaurant, in flagrant violation of Executive Order 202.43 regarding indoor dining.
"George Keeley's" at 485 Amsterdam Avenue in Manhattan, on July 31, 2020
On July 30th, investigators with the state's multi-agency task force observed twelve patrons standing and congregating around high top tables outside the bar with alcohol and with just one basket of popcorn on the table.
"Yeras Restaurant and Sports Bar" at 86-09 Northern Boulevard in Jackson Heights in Jackson Heights, on July 31, 2020
On July 18th, investigators with the state's multi-agency task force observed the business operating after New York City's 11 p.m. curfew for outside service with fourteen patrons congregating outside the premises without face masks, consuming alcohol, and ignoring social distancing guidelines. An employee at the front door was not wearing a face covering and no food was observed being served.
The SLA also denied a pending liquor license for a hotel, BLVD 93 in Rego Park, today. On August 1st, a SLA investigator discovered a large gathering in progress at the premises, with two separate parties on the rooftop with over one-hundred patrons at each. Investigators found alcohol being served at the unlicensed location, with patrons without facial coverings standing, ignoring social distancing guidelines and illegally smoking hookah. A criminal court summons was issued by the NYPD for warehousing alcoholic beverages without a permit.
The SLA also determined today the license for "Liberty Belle," a party boat docked at 72 Bowne Street in Brooklyn will not be renewed. On August 1st, officers with the New York City Sheriff's Office discovered over one-hundred patrons aboard the party vessel, ignoring social distancing guidelines and serving alcohol with an expired liquor license, with Sheriff's arresting the owners and captain for social distancing violations and operating an unlicensed bar.
The emergency suspensions were ordered by Chairman Bradley, Commissioner Lily Fan and Commissioner Greeley Ford at special meetings of the Full Board on July 31st, August 1st, and August 2nd, 2020, all 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.
