2 Dutchess Bars, Restaurants Have Liquor Licenses Suspended

DUTCHESS COUNTY, NY — Two bar and restaurants in Dutchess County were among 16 in the state that had their liquor licenses suspended for violating coronavirus-related regulations, according to a news release Tuesday from Gov. Andrew Cuomo.

Cuomo said that Craft 302 Restaurant in Poughkeepsie and Quartchetti's Roadside Cafe in Fishkill were issued emergency orders of summary suspension from the State Liquor Authority Board.

According to SLA investigators, on Sept. 18, eight employees inside Craft 302 Restaurant, 302 Main St. in Poughkeepsie, were seen without facial coverings, including a security guard and hostess at the entrance, three bartenders, a cook and two additional security guards inside. Investigators saw seven patrons standing at the bar without masks, in addition to about 20 patrons drinking at booths throughout the establishment without food.

The owner said all the patrons had ordered food, but he could only produce two receipts listing food items, investigators said.

On Friday, at Quartchetti's Roadside Cafe, 387 Route 9 in Fishkill, investigators found a band playing under a tent with about 50 patrons present, including at least 30 who were standing and mingling without masks and 10 who were dancing. A bartender inside the premises was seen without a mask, in addition to three bartenders at an outside bar who were also not wearing masks. The establishment's liquor license had just been issued Aug. 27.

Cuomo said that heightened enforcement efforts were clearly making a difference, leading to more compliance and fewer violations.

"However, some business owners still believe these health and safety measures are optional, and we will not hesitate to hold those who recklessly put their fellow New Yorkers' health and safety at risk accountable," he said.

The total number of liquor licenses suspended during the coronavirus pandemic is now 217. Over the last week, the state's multi-agency task force — led by the New York State Police and State Liquor Authority — conducted 8,634 compliance checks, documenting violations at 40 establishments.

Businesses found in violation of new coronavirus regulations face fines up to $10,000 per violation, while egregious violations can result in the immediate suspension of a bar or restaurant's liquor license.

Like Hudson Valley Patches' Facebook Pages.