State Suspends Liquor Licenses of a Dozen Queens Bars/Restaurants for Violating COVID-19 Guidelines

(Photo courtesy of Flickr/Governor Cuomo’s office)

July 28, 2020 By Allie Griffin

State officials suspended the liquor licenses of a dozen New York City establishments — all in Queens — over the weekend, as they continue to crackdown on COVID-19 violations.

The State Liquor Authority (SLA) ordered the suspensions of 12 eateries across Astoria, Jackson Heights, Corona and Ozone Park during board meetings held Saturday through Monday, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced today.

The new suspensions come after six other establishments throughout Queens saw their liquor licenses yanked for similar violations last week.

SLA Investigators witnessed large groups of people congregating and drinking outside many of the establishments without wearing face coverings and ignoring social distancing mandates.

Some of the bars created a “nightclub-like atmosphere” and served patrons past the city’s 11 p.m. curfew for outdoor dining, according to the violations.

A few of the violators even served customers inside their dining areas — though indoor dining has been indefinitely shuttered in the city. Investigators also caught servers and staff at several establishments tending to patrons without wearing a face covering.

Most, if not all, of the 12 bars are repeat offenders.

Cuomo recently enacted a “three-strikes” rule in which the SLA will suspend the liquor license of any bar or restaurant that violates social distancing rules and mask requirements three times.

“With these additional suspensions we are sending a clear message that the State will not hesitate to take action against businesses that put New Yorkers’ health and safety at risk,” Gov. Cuomo said in a statement today.

Several bars in Queens have already had their liquor licenses suspended for failing to meet coronavirus prevention requirements. Steinway Street in Astoria drew attention last week as huge crowds of unmasked partiers danced and drank in the street, despite the threat of COVID-19.

“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,” Cuomo said.

The newly-announced establishments who lost their liquor licenses are listed below, along with the date when the licenses was suspended

The Grand at 37-01 30th Ave. in Astoria, on July 27

The Pomeroy at 36-12 Ditmars Blvd. in Astoria, on July 27

Lima at 85-07 Northern Blvd. in Jackson Heights, on July 25

RubiRosa at 8407 Northern Blvd. in Jackson Heights, on July 26

Mr Pancho’s Café at 86-09 Roosevelt Ave. in Jackson Heights, on July 26

De La Mora Restaurant at 84-19 Northern Blvd. in Jackson Heights, on July 26

El Patio Bar at 80-24 Northern Blvd. in Jackson Heights, on July 26

El Paisa Café at 87-05 Northern Blvd. in Jackson Heights, on July 27

Romanticos at 76-07 Roosevelt Ave. in Jackson Heights, on July 27

Blue Angel Lounge at 112-51 Roosevelt Ave. in Corona, on July 26

Delicia’s Mexicanas at 102-14 Roosevelt Ave. in Corona, on July 27

CJ’s Bar and Lounge at 139-09 Crossbay Blvd. in Ozone Park, on July 25

Establishments that receive suspensions must stop serving alcohol immediately. The suspensions remain in effect indefinitely. The maximum penalty includes a permanent revocation of the license and fines up to $10,000 per violation.

“The SLA will continue to immediately suspend licensees who jeopardize lives by flagrantly violating the Governor’s Executive Orders,” State Liquor Authority Chair Vincent Bradley said.