Aug. 12, 2020 By Allie Griffin
Ten more Queens bars and restaurants had their liquor licenses suspended over the past week — including New York’s oldest beer garden — as the state continues to crack down against establishments that violate coronavirus regulations.
The state’s task force led by the State Police and State Liquor Authority (SLA) conducted more than 6,800 compliance checks over the last week. Investigators issued violations to 162 businesses and suspended the liquor licenses of 38 establishments across New York City and Long Island, including Astoria’s Bohemian Hall Beer Garden.
Businesses that violate COVID-19 regulations — such as face mask requirements, no indoor dining, social distancing, serving past the 11 p.m. dining curfew or serving alcohol without food — face fines up to $10,000 per violation.
Egregious violations can result in the immediate suspension of a bar or restaurant’s liquor license
“The task force has been hard at work to protect the public’s health and will continue to hold these establishments, who think they are above the law and immune to this pandemic, accountable for endangering the lives of New Yorkers,” SLA Chair Vincent Bradley said.
More than a third of COVID-related liquor license suspensions have been at Queens businesses over the course of the pandemic.
To date, 132 businesses across the state have been slapped with suspensions during the coronavirus pandemic, including 47 in Queens.
Governor Andrew Cuomo said New York won’t allow the violators of COVID safety measures to ruin the state’s success in beating back the virus.
“We will not allow a handful of bad actors or reckless businesses to halt or reverse New York’s progress,” Cuomo said in a statement. “This is about enforcement, and while state investigators are working tirelessly to enforce compliance, local governments must step up and do their jobs.”
The ten most recent Queens businesses that had their liquor licenses suspended include:
El Trono De Mexico Sports Bar, located at 38-19 69th St. in Woodside, on Aug. 11
El Marquez, located at 88-11 Roosevelt Ave. in Jackson Heights, on Aug. 11
Mangu Patio, located at 122-07 15th Ave. in College Point, on Aug. 10
Beer Garden at Bohemian Hall, located at 29-19 24th Ave. in Astoria, on Aug. 9
Café Expresso, located at 25-51 Steinway St. in Astoria, on Aug. 9
Pyramids Hookah and Bar, located at 40-19 Bell Blvd. in Bayside, on Aug. 9
Aliada, located at 29-19 Broadway in Astoria, on Aug. 8
Dominie’s, located at 34-07 30th Ave. in Astoria, on Aug. 7
The Village Green, located at 14-17 150th St. in Whitestone, on Aug. 6
The End Zone, located at 149-44 14th Ave. in Whitestone, on Aug. 6
Investigators found a variety of violations at the 10 establishments, including alcohol being served without food, a lack of facial coverings on patrons and/or employees and patrons drinking and congregating outside.
One Comment
Such bullshit. These are almost like hit operations by actors entrenched with the SLA. They tell their friends when controls are taking place and they virtually are prepared for these violations.