SLA Issues Emergency Suspension for Maspeth Bar

Albany, NY – The New York State Liquor Authority (SLA) has summarily suspended the license of Rouge, also known as Cityscapes Gentlemen’s Club, located in Maspeth. The suspension was ordered by Chairman Vincent Bradley, Commissioner Lily Fan, and Commissioner Greeley Ford at a meeting of the Full Board on February 15, 2019. Effective immediately, no alcohol may be sold or consumed on the premises. Additionally, the SLA intends to seek the permanent cancellation or revocation of the license.

According to the New York City Police (NYPD), on January 31, 2019, at approximately 3:35 am, NYPD initiated a car stop where the motorist stated that an acquaintance was stabbed inside Cityscapes. After further investigation, police discovered video surveillance footage which indicated the still at-large suspect entering the bar through a side door, bypassing security procedures. Interviews with bar management and staff revealed that an incident did take place, but they failed to call 9-1-1 to report the incident.

On February 9, 2019, a SLA investigator, along with representatives from the 108th Precinct, NYPD Citywide Vice Club Team and Queens North Vice Enforcement Team, conducted a compliance inspection at Cityscapes. During this inspection, 44 compliance issues were identified, 26 NYPD criminal court summonses were issued, and one arrest was made. Violations included; failure to produce books and records upon request, locked exits, presence of a DJ and promoter which is in direct violation of an agreement with the community board, illegal operation of a kitchen in the basement, which is prohibited in the Certificate of Occupancy and purchasing and refilling from an unauthorized source.

According to Special Operations Lt. Braumann of the 108th Precinct, Cityscapes has long been a focal point for police attention. Due to multiple reports of individuals with gang affiliations, violent incidents at the bar and the ongoing threat to the surrounding community, a police presence outside the establishment has been regularly required.

“This licensee continually disregards their obligation to adequately supervise the premises, and is clearly a threat to the safety of the public,” said Counsel to the Authority Christopher R. Riano. “Failure to cooperate with law enforcement and attempting to conceal crimes on the premises are unacceptable offenses. I thank our partners in law enforcement and the Authority for taking swift action in shutting down this establishment.”

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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