Cityscapes Gentlemen’s Club was shut down last week after a recent stabbing. (Google Maps)
Feb. 20, 2019 By Laura Hanrahan
A gentlemen’s club in Maspeth with a history of violent incidents has had its liquor license stripped after a recent stabbing.
Cityscapes Gentlemen’s Club, also known as Rouge, had its license suspended by the the New York State Liquor Authority (SLA) last Friday, the agency announced in a release.
The suspension, which took effect immediately, bans all sales and consumption of alcohol at the club, located at 55-61 58th St. The SLA is now seeking a permanent revocation of the license.
For years, the bar has been a point of concern for officers of the 108th Precinct after multiple reports of violent incidents and gang affiliations.
In 2015, former New York Knicks forward Cleanthony Early was robbed and shot in the knee by a group of six suspects after leaving Cityscapes. The following day, the club was set on fire after two Molotov cocktails were thrown through the windows.
In March 2016, the club was temporarily shut down after the NYPD discovered that drugs were being dealt there.
The most recent event, which appeared to be the final straw for the club and led to the emergency license suspension–was a stabbing that took place on Jan. 31.
According to the NYPD, bar management did not notify the police of the stabbing, despite knowing that it took place. Review of surveillance footage by the NYPD revealed that on the night of the stabbing, the suspect bypassed security procedures and entered the club through a side door.
A follow up inspection, conducted on Feb. 9 by an SLA investigator and representatives from the 108th Precinct, resulted in 26 criminal court summonses and one arrest. The club was found to have locked exits, a DJ and promoter present—a violation of their agreement with the Community Board—and an illegal kitchen in the basement.
“This licensee continually disregards their obligation to adequately supervise the premises, and is clearly a threat to the safety of the public,” said Counsel to the Authority Christopher R. Riano. “Failure to cooperate with law enforcement and attempting to conceal crimes on the premises are unacceptable offenses. I thank our partners in law enforcement and the Authority for taking swift action in shutting down this establishment.”
Cityscapes is entitled to a hearing to fight the suspension, however, it would remain in effect until a determination is made.
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