Albany, NY – The New York State Liquor Authority (SLA) summarily suspended the license of Big Daddy’s Stationary and Grocery at 70 Lorraine Street in Brooklyn today. The emergency suspension was ordered by Chairman Vincent Bradley, Commissioner Lily Fan, and Commissioner Greeley Ford at a special meeting of the Full Board sitting in Albany on February 22, 2019. Effective immediately, no alcohol may be sold from the premises. During the suspension period the SLA intends to seek the permanent cancellation or revocation of the license.
On February 15, 2019, officers with the New York City Police Department (NYPD) executed a search warrant of Big Daddy’s following two prior undercover purchases of untaxed cigarettes on February 8th and 12th. In addition to uncovering a large quantity of untaxed cigarettes, including those with forged New York tax stamps, officers discovered a loaded 9mm firearm, a 9mm starter pistol, an imitation pistol, 9mm ammunition, and over $2,000 in stolen property.
Prior to this incident, on January 4, 2019 a female was assaulted with a scalpel and a blunt instrument inside the premises, causing lacerations to her face. The NYPD reports that the owner of the Big Daddy’s, who was present at the time of the assault, was uncooperative in the investigation. On January 11th during an inspection following numerous quality of life complaints, the NYPD arrested the licensee for possession of untaxed cigarettes. On January 18th the NYPD conducted a fencing operation where an employee purchased a stolen Apple IWatch from an undercover officer.
On February 21, 2019 the SLA charged Big Daddy’s with seven violations, including possession of untaxed cigarettes, stolen property and firearms, in addition to suffering and permitting an assault. Five additional charges were previously issued on February 11th for possession of untaxed cigarettes, stolen goods and failure to display their liquor license. Big Daddy’s Grocery was originally licensed on October 16, 2018.
“Licensed for just over four months, this operator has quickly demonstrated he is running an illicit emporium, not a neighborhood marketplace,” said Counsel to the Authority Christopher R. Riano. “The discovery of firearms, stolen goods, untaxed cigarettes, as well as dangerous mid-day assaults at this store clearly demonstrate the continued operation of this business poses a serious threat to the safety of this community. I applaud the NYPD and the Members of the SLA for sending a clear message this reckless conduct cannot be tolerated.”
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
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