6 More LI Bars Lose Licenses Over Coronavirus Violations: State

LONG ISLAND, NY — Six more Long Island bars and restaurants had their liquor licenses suspended for violating coronavirus regulations, state officials said Tuesday.

The establishments, located in Nassau and Suffolk counties, are among 36 that the state announced had their licenses suspended. The state has now suspended the licenses of nearly 280 bars and restaurants accused of violating coronavirus safety measures. Many of the businesses were investigated by the New York State Liquor Authority, local law enforcement and fire marshals.

"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," Gov. Andrew Cuomo said in a statement Tuesday. "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."

The state announced the suspensions Tuesday; some of them go back to the beginning of November. These are the establishments that lost their licenses, as well as the state's reason for the suspension:

• Rockwell’s Bar & Grill: 60 Terry Road, Smithtown: On Nov. 20, investigators with the state's multi-agency task force saw two patrons without facial coverings standing outside the premises drinking. Investigators then entered the packed bar, documenting 54 patrons inside, including numerous patrons who were standing, drinking and walking throughout the premises without facial coverings. This establishment is a repeat offender, with charges brought by the SLA just two weeks earlier on Nov. 5 for violating COVID-related executive orders.
• Station Pub: 3 Lakeland Ave., Sayville: On Nov. 20, investigators with the state's multi-agency task force saw 32 patrons inside the bar completely ignoring social distancing protocols, with patrons freely walking throughout the establishment without facial coverings, no evidence of food being served and a bartender not wearing a facial covering. The owner refused to wear a facemask and became belligerent with investigators, refusing to provide the establishment's liquor license or his ID — both serious violations, independent of COVID-related rules. Photos taken by investigators following the visit showed the premises in full operation after the mandatory 10 p.m. statewide closing time implemented to combat COVID. This establishment is a repeat offender, with charges brought by the SLA on Nov. 6 for violating COVID-related executive orders.
• Cabo Sports Bar & Mexican Grill: 271-11 Union Turnpike, New Hyde Park: On Nov. 18, an SLA investigator conducting an inspection saw 43 patrons crowded inside the premises — despite the establishment having a maximum occupancy of just 25 under COVID-related regulations — and documented numerous patrons and employees without facial coverings, tables improperly spaced and a complete disregard for social distancing protocols. Before exiting, the investigator warned the owner about the violations and ensured they were aware of the mandatory 10 p.m. statewide closing time. However, when the investigator returned at 10:30 p.m., the premises was still operating, with patrons drinking, congregating and smoking hookah inside.
• Best Pizza and Dive Bar, 2095 Montauk Highway, Amagansett: On Nov. 15, plainclothes officers from the East Hampton Town Police Department entered the establishment and saw approximately 20 patrons seated and standing around the crowded bar, mingling, ignoring social distancing and not wearing facial coverings. Officers ordered and were served alcoholic beverages without food — a violation of COVID-related executive orders — and documented no food being served during the entirety of their inspection. Bartenders also continually removed their facial coverings to talk to patrons. This establishment is a repeat offender, with charges brought by the SLA just days earlier for executive order violations based on a referral from the East Hampton Town Police Department.
• Bachata: 214 Fulton Ave., Hempstead: On Nov. 6, a joint inspection with SLA investigators, the Hempstead Police Department and the Nassau County Fire Marshal's Office discovered 71 patrons packed inside the premises, despite a maximum occupancy of just 44 under COVID-related regulations. The inspection team found patrons crowded around the bar, dancing, playing pool and ignoring social distancing throughout the premises. Additionally, three employees were observed working without facial coverings and no food of any kind was observed being served.
• Buen Ambiente: 466B East Main St., Patchogue: On Oct. 24, officers from the Suffolk County Police Department responded to a call of shots fired at the premises. Video surveillance obtained by police during their investigation show that the establishment was hosting a large event with more than 50 patrons standing shoulder-to-shoulder, drinking, dancing and smoking hookah, with two exotic dancers performing lap dances. At approximately 1:30 a.m., a large fight broke out in the middle of the establishment — with tables flipped and chairs thrown as patrons raced for the exit. A patron exited the premises and returned with a handgun, shooting two individuals who were transported to a local hospital for treatment.

In addition to license suspensions, the state has issued 1,867 charges against bars and restaurants accused of violating coronavirus safety rules. These charges can carry fines up to $10,000 per charge and can culminate in the business having its liquor license revoked.

"As we move into the colder weather and are forced indoors, it is imperative that businesses stay compliant across the state," liquor authority Chair Vincent Bradley said. "New Yorkers must continue wearing masks, practicing social distancing, and following the life-saving protocols put into place to keep us all healthy."