MamaSushi In Inwood Busted By State: Liquor License Suspended

INWOOD, NY — One of the most popular and well-known restaurants in Inwood was among the latest establishments to lose their liquor licenses for not following New York's pandemic-related rules, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced on Wednesday.

MamaSushi at 237 Dyckman Street was one of 23 restaurants and bars across the state that had their liquor licenses temporarily suspended by the New York State Liquor Authority this month.

The Caribbean-Japanese fusion restaurant was busted on Feb. 4 for having 15 customers eating and drinking inside a fully enclosed structure outside the establishment, despite state regulations mandating for over six months that outdoor structures need openings on at least two sides, according to Cuomo's office.

It's not the first time that investigators from the state had issue with the outdoor dining setup at the Inwood restaurant. MamaSushi's liquor license previously received a warning on Jan. 16 for the same enclosed outdoor structure.

The suspension came after a round of inspections by Cuomo's task force on coronavirus restrictions. Nearly 400 businesses have had their liquor licenses suspended since the task force began.

Businesses found in violation of COVID-19 regulations face fines up to $10,000 per violation, while the more serious violations can result in immediate suspension of a bar or restaurant's liquor license.

Cuomo's office did not disclose how long MamaSushi's liquor license suspension will last.