Bed-Stuy Eatery With Hookah Shed In Backyard Loses Liquor License

BED-STUY, BROOKLYN — A Bed-Stuy restaurant with people smoking hookah in a shed in the backyard was one of seven Brooklyn spots that recently lost their liquor license for not following coronavirus-related rules.

Anaiah Restaurant on Myrtle Avenue had its liquor license temporarily suspended by the New York State Liquor Authority after inspectors found 15 people drinking and smoking hookah inside the shed on July 30, even though there was no food being served. Three employees were also not wearing face masks, according to Gov. Andrew Cuomo's office.

Under orders from the governor, establishments can only serve alcohol to people ordering "substantial food" and indoor dining still isn't allowed in New York City.

The restaurant was among seven Brooklyn spots cited by the Liquor Authority the last two weeks for violating rules meant to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. 38 establishments across the state had their licenses pulled in the latest round of suspensions.

"Noncompliance will lead us right back right where we were just a few months ago — so we must continue to crack down on the bad actors who violate the law and risk everyone's health and safety," said Cuomo, who convened the task force of investigators to check on the state's bars after videos of late-night, maskless partiers.

In total, 15 Brooklyn establishments — including a "party boat" in Red Hook —have been penalized by the authority since the governor started his crackdown.

The seven to most recently have their liquor licenses pulled also include a Sheepshead Bay restaurant that the NYPD have had to visit regularly, according to Cuomo. Inspectors found 150 to 200 people both inside and outside the Signature and Faberge restaurant at 1:30 a.m. on July 24.

The Liquor Authority also pulled licenses from the Gold Room restaurant in Prospect Lefferts Gardens, Halsey Bar & Grill in the Flatlands, The Juicy Box in East Midwood, Ponte Vecchio Restaurant in Bay Ridge and Gran Torino in Williamsburg, according to the governor's office.

At The Juicy Box, the NYPD found illegal fireworks and inspectors found 10 people drinking under a tent. The rest of the restaurants had people eating or drinking inside, some with employees not wearing face masks.

More liquor license suspensions for Brooklyn bars are likely in the works.

The governor's task force checked up on establishments 6,887 times this week and found violations at 162 of them, according to the governor's office.

Cuomo said that formal charges from the latest inspections are being prepared.

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