Sayville Community Raising Money To Help Save Local Pub

SAYVILLE, NY — The Sayville community is coming together to help a local pub that recently lost its liquor licence. Last week, Ashley Johansen and Eileen Tyznar started a GoFundMe to raise money for the Station Pub on 3 Lakeland Avenue, which lost its license recently due to allegedly violating COVID-19 guidelines.

The bar, owned by Steve Rubino, opened three years ago but recently had its liquor license taken away by the New York State Liquor Authority. While state officials have not released additional details on the infractions leading to the loss of the liquor license, according to the GoFundMe the business allegedly violated the "strict rules and regulations thrust upon restaurants and pubs" during the coronavirus pandemic.

"During these times of uncertainty, the community needs to pull together to help one of our friends in need," the two women wrote on the page. "From the day Steve opened the pub three years ago, he not only provided a great place for everyone in the community to eat, have a drink and hear great live music; he opened his big heart to everyone."

While it is not clear the exact date the pub lost its license, on Nov. 14, the business posted a letter to the community to Facebook:

The last three years have been such an amazing experience for us. We are extremely grateful to have been able to open our doors in such a warm and welcoming community. We want to express our gratitude and appreciation to all of our new friends here in Sayville and the surrounding area. Unfortunately, the last few months have been rather tough on all of us. We want to assure you that we are following all safety protocols and regulations, not only for our loyal customers, but also for our dedicated staff. The health and safety of our community is our first and our main priority. We ask that you please be understanding while we continue to adjust our operations to the latest and ever changing guidelines. We also kindly ask that you bring any questions or concerns directly to use. This will allow any issues to be addressed and resolved immediately. The shore time that we have been here, we have made many friends that turned into family, for that we thank you. Hope to see you soon.

Johansen and Tyznar wrote on the GoFundMe page that Rubino has hosted countless fundraisers for so many local residents including to raise money for those who lost loved ones and families in need.

"His fundraisers also raised money for people with terminal illnesses, other businesses in need, and raised money for the local school sports groups, including the football teams and raised money so the cheerleaders could get new uniforms and equipment," the two wrote on the page. "Steve had a huge fundraiser for the newly built Lt. Michael P. Murphy NAVY Seal Museum. He is always an includer; bringing many different people together to socialize and to have a good time. He gave a place to struggling musicians to help them as well. He is a donator and member of the Greater Sayville Chamber. His generosity and kindness knows no bounds."

The message on the page also stated that regulations and restrictions have left Rubino, along with so many other small pubs, "struggling to keep their doors open."

Last week, another post on the Station Pub's Facebook page announced that the bar will be open for food and cold sodas while the business owners work to regain its liquor license.

"He and his employees have been trying so hard to keep everyone safe as well as keeping his doors open. This would be such a loss to all in this community, if he can not remain open," Johansen and Tyznar wrote on GoFundMe. "Please assist him in paying the astronomical fines to get his liquor license back. It's our turn to save this pub, this small business and this incredible person's livelihood."

Through the GoFundMe, the women are hoping to raise $30,000 to help the local business. As of Wednesday, the community has donated $4,800 to help the Station Pub.

"[Rubino] needs us. He's too proud to ask, as he is only used to giving," the page reads. "No amount is too small."

To read more or to donate, visit the GoFundMe page here.