West Village Bar Busted For Flouting Coronavirus Restrictions

WEST VILLAGE, NY — New York state has punished an Asian fusion restaurant and bar in the West Village for various coronavirus-related violations.

Uncle Chop Chop at 7 Cornelia Street was one of 36 businesses in New York to get named on Tuesday by the New York State Liquor Authority (SLA) for not adhering to coronavirus restrictions.

On Nov. 14, New York Police Department officers found patrons within the restaurant drinking without food and a bartender not wearing a face covering, according to Gov. Andrew Cuomo's office.

In a follow-up visit, investigators from the SLA found that Uncle Chop Chop was still serving customers after the mandatory 10 p.m. closing time and that two patrons were drinking an "illegal unlimited drink special."

During the first visit, the Uncle Chop Chop owner told officers that he would not abide by Executive Orders in the future, according to Cuomo's office.

Additionally, the West Village restaurant was charged with similar Executive Order charges in August.

"New York still has one of the country's lowest infection rates and that is a testament to the toughness and unity of New Yorkers all doing what they can to limit spread. Unfortunately, however, some establishments have continued to ignore the rules, putting their customers, as well as their community as a whole, at risk," Governor Cuomo said in a news release.

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.