Albany, NY – The New York State Liquor Authority (SLA) summarily suspended the license of Youngs Entertainment (USA) LTD, doing business as “DC KTV” at 715 61st Street 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, February 23rd . Effective immediately, no alcohol may be sold or consumed on the premises.
Based on referrals from the New York City Police Department (NYPD), three business inspections were conducted at DC KTV within four weeks where police found at least eight patrons to be in possession of a controlled substance during each inspection. During two of the three inspections, employees of the establishment did not cooperate with the NYPD and obstructed the inspections by attempting to alert patrons who were in possession of illegal substances that the police were present.
On December 21st, 2017, the NYPD’s 72nd Precinct conducted a business inspection at the location based on prior incidents that had occurred on the premises. Nine patrons were found to be in possession of a controlled substance; seven were observed holding vials of drugs in plain view, while at least two patrons were observed with traces of drug residue on their nostrils. All nine patrons were arrested.
On January 1st, 2018, another business inspection was conducted by the NYPD at the premises, where they discovered nine patrons to be in possession of Ketamine and placed all nine patrons under arrest. As NYPD officers entered the bar, the establishment’s employees began to run in and out of the karaoke rooms to warn patrons that police officers were present. During the inspection, police confiscated four glass vials, two pipes and three plastic straws containing powder residue, which was tested and determined to be the drug Ketamine based on NYPD laboratory results.
On January 19th, 2018, eight more patrons were arrested for possession of a controlled substance during a business inspection at DC KTV. Officers once again observed the bar’s employees running around the establishment to warn patrons that officers were inside to conduct an inspection. Six glass vials confiscated by police during the inspection were tested and confirmed to contain Ketamine. The following night, on January 20th , police responded to complaints of an assault at the licensed premises, where they discovered two employees had engaged in a verbal dispute resulting in one employee kicking the other employee in the leg.
On February 5th, 2018, the SLA charged DC KTV with eight violations of the ABC Law, including becoming a focal point for police attention and five charges for disorderly premises that occurred within the last five months. Additionally, DC KTV was fined $20,000 on September 13th, 2017 after being charged with over five counts of disorderly premises since 2016.
“The extensive history of allowing illegal substances to be used inside this establishment is incredibly alarming, and is evidence of the severe threat that this establishment poses to its patrons and neighbors,” said Counsel to the Authority Christopher R. Riano. “I commend the Authority and the NYPD for their efforts regarding this premise, which will help alleviate the immense burden they have placed on the police and the local community.”
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.