75 Main's Liquor License Suspended For 'Egregious' Violations

SOUTHAMPTON, NY — 75 Main, a popular destination in Southampton, was one of 14 more New York bars and restaurants that saw their liquor licenses suspended for "egregious" violations of coronavirus-related regulations, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Monday.

Over the weekend, New York's multi-agency task force, led by state police and the New York State Liquor Authority, conducted 3,964 compliance checks, Cuomo said.

The 75 Main Group, located at 75 Main St., had its liquor license suspended Sunday. On Saturday, SLA investigators and officers with the Suffolk County Police Department, the Southampton Village Police Department and the Suffolk County Sheriff's Office conducted a joint inspection of the premises, Cuomo said in a news release.

At 6 p.m., investigators observed a line of patrons waiting to enter and ignoring social distancing protocols, with most not wearing facial coverings; investigators also saw two bartenders and three servers without facial coverings, the release said.

Roughly an hour later, investigators returned to find multiple employees and patrons standing, mingling and drinking around the bar without facial coverings, with several patrons from nearby tables wandering up to the bar to mingle and consume shots — in violation of Cuomo's executive order prohibiting walk-up bar service, the release said.

Investigators also witnessed long lines people at the rest rooms not engaging in social distancing, with several patrons not wearing facial coverings, Cuomo said.

At least 27 employees were working at the time of the inspection, with none of them seen attempting to control the lines or prohibit patrons from consuming alcohol while standing near the bar, the release added.

At 11 p.m., the joint inspection team entered the premises and observed two employees running to the kitchen to alert staff, Cuomo said.

Upon entering, investigators found 25 additional violations — including "serious health hazards" — and four criminal court summonses were issued, Cuomo said.

In addition, earlier in the evening, an 18-year-old underage agent purchased alcohol on two occasions without being asked for identification, Cuomo said.

"The business is a repeat offender, with the Village of Southampton Police documenting 75 patrons eating inside on June 13, prior to indoor dining being allowed on Long Island, and investigators from the state task force observing three employees without facial coverings on July 28," the release said.

Charges from both previous incidents are pending with the SLA, the release added.

"Over the last five months, New Yorkers have made great sacrifices to bend the curve, and today's record-low infection rate shows that when we listen to science and take this virus seriously, we can make a difference. But too many bars and restaurants are still flouting rules in place to stop the spread and local governments need to step up — so we've beefed up enforcement with the state police and liquor authority to hold bad actors accountable," Cuomo said. "These establishments put the health of their staff, their patrons, and all New Yorkers at risk — and their actions are simply unacceptable."

State Liquor Authority Chair Vincent Bradley added: "We are seeing better compliance as a direct result of the hard work and time the task force is putting in, but there are still bad apples out there that need to be held accountable. As we head into the last couple weekends of summer, licensees need to continue to be vigilant and put the health and safety of New Yorkers on the top of their priority lists."