Photo Courtesy of Mike Groll/Office of the Governor
“New Yorkers have worked hard to flatten the curve, but the bars and restaurants that ignore public health guidance are disrespecting their sacrifices which have saved lives while allowing us to sustain the reopening of our economy,” Gov. Cuomo said Tuesday.
By Forum Staff
The State has suspended liquor licenses for 12 New York City bars—all located in Queens—after finding egregious violations of pandemic-related executive orders, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Tuesday.
The 12 establishments issued emergency orders of summary suspension from the State Liquor Authority Board during meetings on July 25, 26, and 27 are:
CJ’s Bar and Lounge 139-09 Crossbay Blvd. in Ozone Park, on July 25
The licensee’s non-compliance began on June 27, when SLA Investigators documented five patrons drinking inside the premises, along with outdoor tables not properly spaced and with a party-like atmosphere that extended in front of a neighboring building. On July 18, during a disclosed visit, investigators documented employees without facial coverings serving patrons and provided the licensee with a summary of SLA guidelines. The next evening, SLA investigators made an undercover visit to the establishment, observing thirty patrons partying and congregating directly in front of the premises, without facial coverings or social distancing.
Lima at 85-07 Northern Blvd. in Jackson Heights, on July 25
Following numerous complaints and previous charges, the SLA conducted a compliance check of Lima on July 24. Investigators observed over twenty patrons outside the premises standing and drinking in a nightclub-on-the-street atmosphere, ignoring social distancing guidelines and blocking the sidewalk. Previously, on July 18, SLA investigators documented the premises operating well past New York City’s 11 p.m. curfew for outside service, with a similarly large group of patrons standing and congregating in a nightclub-like-atmosphere, without facial coverings or adherence to social distancing guidelines. This location had also been observed and charged with violations of the governor’s executive orders in June.
Photo Courtesy of Google
CJ’s Bar and Lounge in Ozone Park was among the 12 bars that recently lost its state liquor license.
RubiRosa at 84-07 Northern Blvd. in Jackson Heights, on July 26
On July 24, SLA Investigators conducted a compliance check of Rubi Rosa, observing approximately 25 individuals standing in front of the location consuming beverages, ignoring social distancing protocols, and not wearing facial coverings. An employee inside was observed without a facial covering speaking with patrons who were also not wearing facial coverings. This location was also found to be in violation of the governor’s executive orderson July 18, with patrons similarly congregating outside.
Mr. Pancho’s Café at 86-09 Roosevelt Ave in Jackson Heights, on July 26
On July 25, SLA Investigators conducted a compliance check of M.r Pancho’s Café and found the restaurant in full operation well past the City’s 11 p.m. curfew for outside service, with over 30 individuals standing in front of the premise consuming beverages, no food available, no proper facial coverings, and no social distancing. In addition, at least three employees were observed without facial coverings.
Blue Angel Lounge at 112-51 Roosevelt Ave. in Corona, on July 26
On July 25, SLA Investigators conducted a compliance check of the Blue Angel Lounge, observing patrons consuming alcohol with no food present. An inspection of the kitchen suggests the restaurant was in violations of the food requirement for some time, evidenced by a rusty grill, deep fryers with no oil, an empty refrigerator, an empty food serving station, the gas to appliances turned off, and no kitchen staff on site. This location, according to SLA, was also found to be in violation of the governor’s executive orders on July 18, with 25 people drinking inside.
De La Mora Restaurant at 84-19 Northern Blvd. in Jackson Heights, on July 26
On the evening of July 18, an SLA investigator observed patrons standing, drinking and congregating directly in front of the premises, without facial coverings or observing social distancing. The investigator returned shortly before midnight—well past the City’s 11 p.m. curfew for outside service—to find 30 patrons drinking and partying in violation of the governor’s executive orders. This location was previously charged by the SLA on for violations of the governor’s EO on July 13 and 14.
El Patio Bar at 218-21 Jamaica Ave. in Queens Village, on July 26
On July 25, SLA Investigators conducted a compliance check of El Patio Bar, observing patrons inside the bar drinking, in addition to bartenders and kitchen staff without facial coverings. Previously, on July 18, SLA investigators documented the premises operating well past New York City’s 11 p.m. curfew for outside service, with a large group of patrons standing and congregating in a nightclub-like-atmosphere without facial coverings or social distancing.
The Grand at 37-01 30th Ave. in Astoria, on July 27
On July 23, a joint inspection with SLA investigators and the New York City Sheriff’s Office found the premises operating well past New York City’s 11 p.m. curfew, with at least a dozen patrons directly in front of the premises, and no facial coverings or social distancing. Inside, the inspection detail observed a patron drinking alcohol and an employee without a facial covering. When the inspection detail arrived, a bouncer was observed encouraging patrons to leave the premises with open containers.
El Paisa Café at 87-05 Northern Blvd. in Jackson Heights, on July 27
On the evening of July 18, an SLA investigator observed eleven patrons standing, drinking and congregating directly in front of the premises, without facial coverings or social distancing. The investigator returned at 11:30 p.m., well past New York City’s 11 p.m. curfew for outside service, to find 25 patrons—none wearing facial coverings—drinking and congregating in front of the business in violation of the governor’s executive orders.
Romanticos at 76-07 Roosevelt Ave. in Jackson Heights, on July 27
On July 23, an SLA investigator conducted a compliance check of Romanticos, finding 13 patrons drinking alcohol inside the bar and a manager and bouncer without facial coverings. The business, a repeat offender, was found violating the governor’s executive order requiring bars and restaurants adhere to social distancing guidelines to combat the spread of the coronavirus on two prior occasions.
Delicia’s Mexicanas at 102-14 Roosevelt Ave. in Corona, on July 27
On July 25, an SLA investigator conducted a compliance check of Delicia’s Mexicanas, finding patrons seated inside the premises, with the manager blocking the path of the investigator while a waitress warned patrons to leave out the back door. This licensee is a repeat offender, with violations of the governor’s executive orders and serving after New York City’s 11 p.m. curfew for outside service on July 24 and July 4.
The Pomeroy at 36-12 Ditmars Blvd. in Astoria, on July 27
On July 23, an SLA investigator conducted a compliance check of The Pomeroy, observing a group of over 15 patrons standing and congregating in front of the restaurant and stretching out in front of a neighboring business. This check was a follow up from July 19, when SLA investigators observed employees not wearing facial coverings, tables improperly spaced, and the restaurant serving drinks to go without food.
“New Yorkers have worked hard to flatten the curve, but the bars and restaurants that ignore public health guidance are disrespecting their sacrifices which have saved lives while allowing us to sustain the reopening of our economy,” Gov. Cuomo said.
