Albany, NY – The New York State Liquor Authority (SLA) summarily suspended the license of BGL LLC, doing business as “Avanti” at 272 Post Avenue in Westbury today. The suspension was ordered by Members of the SLA, Chairman Vincent Bradley and Commissioner Greeley Ford at a special meeting of the Full Board on Friday, October 20th. Effective immediately, no alcohol may be sold or consumed on the premises.
Based on a referral from the Nassau County Police Department, on October 14, 2017, three assaults occurred at Avanti Nightclub, also known as “Oasis.” Police responded to a 911 call for a large fight at the club and observed a victim, who was bleeding profusely from the back of his head, lying on the sidewalk directly in front of the establishment. Upon further investigation, police determined that the victim was struck in the back of his head with a bottle inside the club.
Additionally, a security guard working at the club was a seriously injured after being slashed with a razor blade across his face. The security guard was transported to the hospital where he received 20 stitches to his face. While at the premises, police also received a call from a local hospital informing them that another patron from Avanti arrived at the hospital with a gunshot wound to his chest. On October 16th, the SLA charged Avanti with eight violations of the ABC law, including becoming focal point for police attention, failure to supervise and two counts of disorderly premises.
Just two weeks earlier, on September 30, 2017, Nassau County Police responded to a 911 call reporting shots fired at the night club. According to police reports, three to four gun shots were fired by an unknown person outside the bar during a large fight that began inside the club, with one patron shot in his shin and another shot twice in his thigh and calf.
Additional police referrals document several incidents occurring in and around the licensed premises over the last six months. On October 8th, police responded to a call for a man walking in front of the establishment with a gun, and on April 22nd police were dispatched in connection with a larceny occurring inside the premises. The Nassau County Police report receiving numerous calls from residents complaining of noise, misconduct and altercations in and around the establishment.
In response to the recent surge in violence and disorder, on October 14th the Village of Westbury issued a Cease and Desist order on the establishment, prohibiting the licensee from using the premises in any fashion until further notice. The Village also revoked the club’s Special Use Permit, which allowed them to operate as a nightclub.
“It’s clear that this licensee has no regard for the safety of his patrons, employees or his community, and unfortunately, multiple victims have suffered serious injuries as a result,” said Counsel to the Authority Christopher R. Riano. “Today, the SLA has sent a clear message that any licensee that condones violence and strains police resources will immediately lose the privilege of operating with a liquor license.”
The State Administrative Procedure Act authorizes a State agency to summarily suspend a license when the agency finds that public health, safety, or welfare requires emergency action. When the SLA summarily suspends a license, it also serves a Notice of Pleading alleging one or more disciplinary violations. In invoking a summary suspension, the SLA has deemed the violation to be sufficiently serious upon initial review to warrant an immediate suspension. The SLA’s decision to summarily suspend a license is not a final determination on the merits of the case. The licensee is entitled to an expedited administrative law hearing before an Administrative Law Judge. An order of summary suspension remains in effect until such time as it is modified by the SLA or a reviewing Court.