June 7, 2019
Albany, NY – The New York State Liquor Authority (SLA) summarily suspended the license of Prime Six Inc, doing business as “Woodland” at 242 Flatbush Avenue in Brooklyn. The suspension was ordered by Chairman Vincent Bradley, Commissioner Lily Fan, and Commissioner Greeley Ford at a special meeting of the Full Board on June 6, 2019. Effective immediately, no alcohol may be sold or consumed on the premises. During the suspension period the SLA intends to seek the permanent cancelation or revocation of the license.
On May 29, 2019, the SLA and the New York City Police Department (NYPD) conducted a joint inspection of the premises resulting in thirty-three violations. The inspection uncovered a myriad of fire hazards, code violations and dangerous conditions including the storage of fireworks and compressed gas, in addition to blocked emergency exits, uninspected fire extinguishers, and uncovered electrical outlets.
The SLA is currently conducting a disciplinary hearing against Woodland for eleven violations issued on March 29, 2019. Charges include operating a disorderly premise, becoming a focal point for police attention, excessive noise and failure to abide by stipulations the licensee entered into with Community Board 6. Additionally, the licensee is charged with availing their license by turning over operation of the business to undisclosed persons.
During the initial hearing on the March 29th charges, several business owners testified Woodland’s operation is having a negative impact on the community, with drunken, belligerent patrons from the bar disrupting their businesses. Residents also testified Woodlands’ patrons have made life intolerable, with uncontrolled crowds of intoxicated patrons wreaking havoc on the neighborhood, especially during weekend brunch hours. The NYPD’s 78th precinct reports receiving over two-hundred 311 and 911 calls regarding the premises in the last year alone, with the Commanding Officer from the 78th precinct advising the SLA that a patrol car must be posted directly next to the premises on weekends to prevent violent incidents.
On June 3, 2019, the SLA charged Woodland with forty violations, including numerous fire code violations, excessive noise, purchasing alcohol from an unauthorized source and becoming a focal point for police attention.
“The repeated and increasing number of disruptive incidents at this establishment, combined with the failure to correct serious public safety issues, demonstrates that this licensee lacks concern for the safety or well-being of their patrons or their community,” said SLA Chairman Vincent Bradley. “History shows adhering to fire and building codes is essential to keeping patrons safe in the event of an emergency. This suspension should serve as a message that we will not hesitate to take a license when a bar poses a threat to public safety.”
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.
On the Web: www.sla.ny.gov
# # #
Contact the Public Information Office
Contact the Public Information Office if you're a member of the media with questions regarding the Authority.