SLA Issues Emergency Suspension for "Brooklyn Rocks"

Albany, NY – The New York State Liquor Authority (SLA) summarily suspended the license of Legends Cafe LLC, doing business as “Brooklyn Rocks” at 2214 Church Avenue in Brooklyn today. The suspension was ordered by Chairman Vincent Bradley and Commissioner Greeley Ford at a special meeting of the Full Board on Friday, January 12th . Effective immediately, no alcohol may be sold or consumed on the premises.

On January 1, 2018, New York City Police Department (NYPD) officers assigned to a directed patrol in front of the Brooklyn Rocks observed a large group of patrons running from the premises. The officers investigated the incident finding a victim lying on the sidewalk with a gunshot wound to his ribcage. Two additional victims walked to a local hospital with gunshot injuries and indicated they had been shot on the establishment’s dance floor. One of the victims is currently in critical condition. No one from the premises called 911 to report the shooting or request medical assistance.

On January 8, 2018, the SLA received a referral from a December 16, 2017, NYPD inspection of Brooklyn Rocks. NYPD Officers were approached by a man identifying himself as the owner and manager of the premises, despite not being listed on the license issued by the SLA. While inside the premises, police detected a strong odor of marijuana and observed marijuana baggies and cigarettes, as well as illicit untaxed liquor behind the bar. Additionally, police discovered the premises was operating as a hookah lounge without a permit.

On January 11th, the SLA conducted a joint inspection of the premises with the NYPD. An SLA Investigator observed no food and no operating kitchen, and the managers on site admitted they do not sell food, even though the premises is licensed as a restaurant. Investigators also observed cases of beer that were purchased from an unauthorized wholesaler. During the inspection, the managers also failed to permit inspection of two locked walk-in refrigerators in the basement and of a filing cabinet on the third floor. The investigation also revealed numerous fire code violations, including fireworks behind the downstairs bar, using extension cords for permanent wiring, and waste accumulation inside the premises. The SLA charged Brooklyn Rocks with 31 violations of the ABC Law.

“Three individuals have been gravely injured as a result of this establishment’s lawlessness, and even regular police patrols have had no effect on the unsupervised operation of this premises,” said Counsel to the Authority Christopher R. Riano. “The alarming escalation of incidents in the last few weeks has made it clear to us that this licensee has no desire to follow the Alcoholic Beverage Control Laws and the Authority’s rules.”

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.