Best Pizza & Dive Bar Violated Coronavirus Orders: State

AMAGANSETT, NY — An Amagansett establishment was one of six bars and restaurants on Long Island to have its liquor license suspended by the New York State Liquor Authority for recent coronavirus rules violations, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Tuesday.

Best Pizza & Dive Bar at 2095 Montauk Highway had its license suspended Nov. 18. The six Long Island establishments were among another 36 statewide to have their liquor licenses suspended. More than 280 establishments have had their liquor licenses suspended
statewide after being accused of violating coronavirus rules.

On Nov. 15, plainclothes officers from the East Hampton Police Department entered Best Pizza & Dive Bar and saw 20 patrons crowded at the bar, mingling, ignoring social distancing and not wearing facial coverings, Cuomo said.

Officers ordered and were served alcoholic beverages without food — a violation of Cuomo's orders — and documented no food being served during the inspection, Cuomo said. Bartenders continually removed their facial coverings to talk to patrons, he added.

The establishment was also charged with violating coronavirus rules days before the inspection based on a referral from the East Hampton Town Police Department.

"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," Cuomo said in a statement. "Unfortunately, however, some establishments have continued to ignore the rules, putting their customers, as well as their community as a whole, at risk. 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."