PD: LI Bar Owner, Bouncers Cited In State Liquor Authority Check

PORT JEFFERSON, NY — The owner of a Long Island bar that was over capacity — by nearly three times what is allowed — was cited for having three unlicensed bouncers working security during a New York State Liquor Authority inspection, and the establishment was shut down for the night, Suffolk County police said.

Police said 6th Precinct officers and SLA investigators, along with fire marshals and constables from Port Jefferson, found 348 people inside Barito Tacos & Cocktails on Main Street in Port Jefferson at about 12 a.m. on Saturday. The establishment was over its capacity of 120 people at the time, police said.

The owner of the bar, Matthew Murray, 40, of Ronkonkoma, was charged with employing an unlicensed security guard, an unclassified misdemeanor, under the state's General Business Law, police said.

Brandon Pressley and Jeremy Marrero, both 34 and from Bellport, as well as Dustin Mariboe, 32, of Patchogue, who were all security guards at the bar, were charged with unlicensed security guard, also an unclassified misdemeanor, police said.

In a post on Facebook, patrons were told that the bar would be closed until Tuesday "due to unforeseen circumstances."

"We apologize for any inconvenience. Everyone have a safe holiday weekend," the post read.

The four men were issued field appearance tickets which are returnable to court at a later date.