Tightly Packed Nassau Bar Has Liquor License Suspended: Cuomo

WANTAGH, NY — A Wantagh sports bar was among 16 establishments in New York that had its liquor license suspended due to coronavirus violations.

The alcohol license for Vintage Sports Bar and Lounge on Merrick Road was suspended Saturday, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Monday. A Nassau County police inspection revealed that 98 people were inside the bar, over double the maximum capacity allowed of 40 under the state's COVID-related regulations. Police said the bar was so tightly packed that social distancing was impossible. Many people were also dancing, standing and mingling without masks.

Phone and email messages left with the bar weren't immediately returned.

Vintage Sports Bar was given three violations previously on July 11, July 18 and July 26.

The state has suspended a total of 217 liquor licenses in all. Last week, the state recorded violations at 40 establishments across New York. Businesses found in violation of COVID-19 regulations face fines up to $10,000 per violation. Egregious violations can result in the immediate suspension of a bar or restaurant's liquor license.

Cuomo said the state's heightened enforcement efforts are "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 in a news release. "With the start of flu season upon us, colleges and schools opening, and localized coronavirus clusters in the state, we cannot take any chances - and we must continue to enforce the rules that helped us beat back this deadly virus."

Authorities also suspended the liquor license for a Massapequa Park bar for violating social distancing guidelines, Cuomo said. Prohibition on Front Street had its liquor license suspended Thursday.

Previously this month, the up-scale Asian fusion restaurant Toku Modern Asian in Manhasset had its liquor license suspended.