Albany, NY – The New York State Liquor Authority (SLA) summarily suspended the license of Sunny O’s LTD, doing business as “Sunny O’s” at 269 West Merrick Road in Valley Stream today. The suspension was ordered by Members of the SLA, Chairman Vincent Bradley and Commissioner Greeley Ford at a meeting of the Full Board on Wednesday, July 26th. Effective immediately, no alcohol may be sold or consumed on the premises.
Based on a referral from the Nassau County Police Department, on March 13, 2017 a homicide occurred directly outside of Sunny O’s following an altercation that began inside the bar. The victim, who was a patron at the bar, was found lying on his back immediately outside of the licensed premises with gunshot wounds to his neck and left abdomen. On July 21, 2017, the SLA charged Sunny O’s with fourteen violations of the ABC law, including four counts of assault and disorderly premise. This brutal homicide is just the latest in a series of violent incidents occurring at Sunny O’s.
On July 6, 2017, the licensee failed to notify the police following the assault of a patron at the premises. According to Nassau County Police, the victim was transported to the hospital after being punched by another patron and falling to the ground. Additionally, the bar was charged with one count of disorderly premises based on a police referral detailing an assault on June 24, 2017. Police report a physical altercation between two patrons that resulted in an enraged patron punching out the front window of the establishment, causing it to shatter to the sidewalk.
Additional police referrals document four instances of drug possession in or around the premises on July 1st, July 10th, July 11 th and July 15th 2017. The police have had to respond to disturbances at the establishment at least 6 times in the past 60 days, making this establishment a focal point for police attention. On July 15, 2017, the licensee was also found to be in violation for failing to maintain business records, not having food available for patrons, possessing untaxed liquor on the premises and for various building code violations.
“The establishment continues to pose a burden on police resources and has taken no discernable measures to remedy the disturbing recent uptick in violence and drug activity,” said Counsel to the Authority Christopher R. Riano. “This behavior will not be tolerated, and the SLA will continue partnering with the Nassau County Police to take immediate action against licensees who jeopardize the safety of their patrons and their communities.”
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.