12 NYC bars have liquor licenses suspended over social distancing violations
An outdoor dining area is seen as the city continues Phase 4 of re-opening following restrictions imposed to slow the spread of coronavirus on July 27, 2020 in New York City. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images)
NEW YORK - As part of an ongoing effort to prevent the spread of the coronavirus and crackdown on businesses accused of flaunting social distancing guidelines, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo announced Wednesday that the state suspended the liquor licenses of 12 New York City-area bars.
"While New York State's COVID-19 numbers continue to steadily decline, there are alarming increases in states across the country and now is not the time to let our guard down," Governor Cuomo said. "Local governments need to do their job, but the state is supplementing their efforts in every way we can. Noncompliance will lead us right back right where we were just a few months ago -- so we must continue to crack down on the bad actors who violate the law and risk everyone's health and safety."
The twelves establishments who have had their liquor licenses suspended are:
- Nello in Manhattan
- Union Grounds in Brooklyn
- Ladies Sports Bar in Jamaica, Queens
- Parq in the Bronx
- Grill on the Hill in Manhattan
- Regular Visitors in Brooklyn
- El Otro Rollo in Jackson Heights, Queens
- Gossip in Manhattan
- Atlantis in Jamaica, Queens
- El Abuelo Gozon in Jackson Heights, Queens
- El Palo Bar in Corona, Queens
- Rancho in Richmond Hill, Queens
"The Governor has implemented smart, data-driven rules to reopen New York State, and they will be aggressively enforced," State Liquor Authority Chair Vincent Bradley said. "The health and safety of New Yorkers should be everyone's priority, and we will continue to weed out those who are not taking this pandemic seriously."
57 businesses have had their liquor licenses suspended during the coronavirus pandemic so far.
State investigators observed violations at 29 establishments across the NYC area on Tuesday night and are preparing formal charges.
Businesses found in violation of COVID-19 regulations face fines up to $10,000 per violation, while egregious violations can result in the immediate suspension of a bar or restaurant's liquor license.