SLA Issues Emergency Suspension for Sapitos in New York City

Albany, NY – The New York State Liquor Authority (SLA) summarily suspended the license of Cajun NY LLC, doing business as “Sapitos” at 172 East 106th Street in New York City today. The suspension was ordered by Chairman Vincent Bradley and Commissioner Greeley Ford at a meeting of the Full Board on Wednesday, April 4th . Effective immediately, no alcohol may be sold or consumed on the premises.

Based on a referral from the New York City Police Department (NYPD), on March 31st a fight occurred inside Sapitos, resulting in a crowd of patrons being pushed out onto the street. During the altercation, the victim appeared to pull a gun from his waistband, while two other individuals also appeared to be in possession of firearms. Later while in his vehicle, a victim was slashed across the face and taken to a local hospital for treatment. When police attempted to interview the victim, he and witnesses to the slashing were uncooperative. Additionally, no one from the licensed premises called 911 to report the incident. This altercation and slashing are just the most recent in a string of recent violent incidents at Sapitos.

On March 25th , the NYPD responded to a call for an assault at the licensed premises. Upon arrival, police discovered a large melee in front of the bar and had to call for additional units to assist in dispersing the crowd. Again, no one from the establishment called 911 to report the incident. On March 4th, police responded to a 911 call for shots fired and found a victim with injuries to his face a few blocks from the premises. The victim indicated he had been drinking inside the licensed premises and was beaten with a blunt object and robbed after leaving the bar.

On February 13th, police again responded to a 911 call at Sapitos and discovered a fight between two patrons inside the bar that escalated into a larger fight spilling out onto the street. During the altercation, one patron was stabbed in the abdomen and a second patron was hit over the head with a bar stool; both victims were seriously injured and taken to the hospital. Two additional assaults took place at the premises on February 9th and January 12th , when an employee of the premises was struck in the face with a hookah stand.

According to the NYPD, Sapitos is a drain on resources requiring special patrols to ensure order, including 77 directed patrols in 2018 and 146 in 2017. Additionally, the bar has generated sixteen 311 calls in 2018 and 94 in 2017, the majority of which were complaining of loud music and noise, as well as several 911 emergency calls. On April 4 th, the SLA charged Sapitos with 11 violations of the ABC Law, including 6 charges for disorderly premises, failure to exercise adequate supervision and for becoming a focal point of police attention.

“Sapitos has become a dangerous bar where patrons, employees and members of the community are constantly put in danger due to the licensee’s inability to control his establishment,” said Counsel to the Authority Christopher R. Riano. “The Authority has made it clear today that this Agency will not hesitate to shut down any bar that condones violence and jeopardizes 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.