More Astoria Bars Lose Liquor Licenses As NY Continues Crackdown

ASTORIA, QUEENS — Another two Astoria bars have lost their liquor licenses for flouting rules meant to curb COVID-19's spread.

The Grand and The Pomeroy are among 12 businesses that had their licenses suspended by the New York State Liquor Authority on Monday for "egregious violations" of pandemic-related regulations on social distancing and face coverings, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said.

The state pulled liquor licenses from two other Astoria bars last week for similar violations, after videos of late-night, maskless partiers crowding Steinway Street made headlines and drew the governor's attention.

"New Yorkers have worked hard to flatten the curve, but the bars and restaurants that ignore public health guidance are disrespecting their sacrifices which have saved lives while allowing us to sustain the reopening of our economy," Cuomo said.

At The Grand, at 37-01 30th Ave., officials with the New York City Sheriff's Office and the State Liquor Authority found the eatery open past the 11 p.m. closing time for businesses participating in the city's open restaurants program, according to the governor's office.

During their July 23 inspection, they observed at least a dozen maskless customers outside, a customer drinking alcohol inside, an employee not wearing a face covering and a bouncer encouraging customers to leave with open containers.

The Grand has drawn complaints of loud music and customers not social distancing since at least mid-June, along with a slew of other businesses on 30th Avenue, Patch previously reported.

A State Liquor Authority investigator who stopped by The Pomeroy on July 23 found at least 15 customers congregating outside the restaurant and a neighboring business, several days after investigators observed tables spaced too close together and workers not wearing masks and serving to-go drinks without food, Cuomo's office said.

Another 10 Queens businesses got their liquor licenses suspended Monday, including El Patio and Rubi Rosa in Jackson Heights.

State Liquor Authority investigators and state police documented violations at 132 businesses over the weekend and observed another 26 violations Monday night in New York City.

Businesses face fines as high as $10,000 or immediate suspension of their liquor license for violating COVID-19 regulations.