Astoria's Bohemian Beer Garden Gets Liquor License Suspended

ASTORIA, QUEENS — New York City's oldest beer garden lost its license to serve booze after violating pandemic-related rules, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Tuesday.

Astoria's Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden got its liquor license suspended Sunday, coinciding with a planned gladiator battle in the venue's sprawling outdoor space.

Investigators with the state's multi-agency task force, which monitors compliance with coronavirus-related rules, showed up Saturday evening and spotted 20 maskless customers standing and drinking in the beer garden in violation of social distancing guidelines.

Another 20 customers were lined up for drinks at the bar, in "flagrant violation" of a March 16 executive order that restricted large gatherings and restaurant and bar operations, state officials said in a news release.

The Czech beer garden dates back to 1919, according to its website.

"We will not allow a handful of bad actors or reckless businesses to halt or reverse New York's progress," Cuomo said.

Bohemian Hall was among 10 Queens establishments that lost their liquor licenses over the past week, according to Cuomo's office.

In Astoria, the State Liquor Authority also pulled licenses from the pub Dominie's on 30th Avenue, the Greek restaurant Aliada on Broadway and Café Expresso on Steinway Street.

Investigators flagged Dominie's on Thursday after spotting customers drinking inside the pub and kitchen staff not wearing face coverings.

At Aliada, investigators saw several tables set up indoors for seating during a rainstorm Friday and customers congregating outside and drinking alcohol.

Café Expresso, on Steinway Street, had 15 maskless customers drinking outside and ignoring social distancing Friday, and the owner wasn't wearing a mask, state officials said.

Suspensions are effective indefinitely, pending the results of an administrative hearing, when a judge may reinstate the liquor license or permanently revoke the license and issue fines of up to $10,000 per violation.