4 Bars, Restaurants Have Liquor Licenses Suspended In HV

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — Twenty-one bars and restaurants — four of which are in the Hudson Valley — had their liquor licenses suspended for violations of coronavirus-related regulations.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo said the new suspensions bring the total number of liquor licenses suspended during the pandemic to 238.

There have been 1,362 charges filed against establishments for violating the rules.

Businesses found in violation face fines up to $10,000 per violation, while egregious violations can result in immediate suspension of liquor licenses.

Cuomo said, as clusters continue to be fought around the state, bar and restaurant owners should realize the state will enforce the law.

"Rules are only as good as enforcement, and as we have ramped up checks on bars and restaurants compliance has increase, creating a safer environment for everyone," he said. "A small number of business owners still don't think the rules apply to them — even in focus zones where the state has tracked increase spread."

The four bars and restaurants in the Hudson Valley are:

El Nuevo Jomas Tavern, 112 Westchester Avenue, Port Chester, Sept. 30
On September 26th, officers with the Port Chester Police Department responding to reports of underage drinking found the premises hosting a large party with approximately 200 guests, despite a maximum legal occupancy of only 90 — which should be reduced to just 45 under COVID-related regulations. Police noted few patrons were wearing facial coverings, reported confiscating 18 hookahs, and found the fire alarm system appeared to have been disarmed.

La Botella Bar & Restaurant, 136 Lake Street, Newburgh, Oct. 4
On Oct. 2, following complaints of crowding and social distancing violations, SLA investigators made an undisclosed visit to the premises, finding a live DJ performing and approximately 100 patrons inside — including approximately 15 patrons dancing and another dozen playing pool, all in violation of the governor's Executive Orders. Patrons were standing two rows deep at the bar, where an investigator was eventually able to order a drink without food from a bartender without a facial covering. Investigators noted that none of the six employees present were wearing facial coverings or even attempting to enforce social distancing, with patrons freely milling about the premises.

The Mahopac Inn, 927 South Lake Boulevard, Mahopac, Oct. 4
On Oct. 2, following complaints and previous warnings about social distancing violations, SLA investigators were seated at the bar, with patrons 2 feet away on each side, and served by a bartender with a facial covering pulled below his nose. Investigators noted approximately 30 patrons were present, with four standing and drinking while listening to a band. Less than an hour later, the bar was packed with patrons, including 10 to 30 who were standing at any one time, consuming alcohol and walking freely throughout the premises without facial coverings. Investigators observed a second bartender without a facial covering, and at no time witnessed staff even attempt to enforce social distancing. This business was warned by SLA investigators in early July regarding social distancing protocols and the requirement that all employees wear facial coverings.

La Bohemia Restaurant, 12 East 1st Street, Mount Vernon, Oct. 9
On Oct. 1, officers with the Mount Vernon Police Department conducted an inspection finding more than 100 patrons inside, over 90 of whom were crammed into a second-floor space that has a normal maximum occupancy of 49 or just under 25 under COVID-related regulations. Officers report a nightclub-like atmosphere at the premises, which is licensed as a restaurant, with patrons not wearing facial coverings, standing shoulder-to-shoulder, and flagrantly ignoring social distancing. In addition, there was no evidence of food being served, the premises was using an unauthorized DJ, and numerous patrons were smoking hookah in apparent violation of the NYS Indoor Smoking Act.