State Liquor Authority Issues Emergency Suspension for Queens Karaoke Bar

Joint Inspection Finds Numerous Violations Following Fatal Shooting

The New York State Liquor Authority (SLA) summarily suspended the license of Tai Shan Group Inc., doing business as “K-Show” at 136-20 38^th Avenue in Flushing. The suspension was ordered by Chairman Vincent Bradley and Commissioner Lily Fan at a special meeting of the Full Board on August 20, 2021.  Effective immediately, no alcohol may be sold or consumed on the premises.

On August 18, 2021 investigators with the SLA and the officers with the New York City Police Department (NYPD) conducted an inspection prompted by an August 13^th shooting at the premises where a patron fired multiple shots inside the premises, striking two victims, one fatally. 

The inspection uncovered numerous violations, including two unlicensed bouncers, at least two underage females drinking liquor inside the premises during the inspection, and a multitude of serious fire and life safety violations. Additionally, the person in charge at the time of the inspection, who claimed to be the owner, is not listed on the liquor license, leading to a charge of “availing” the license for allowing persons who have not been vetted or approved by the SLA to own or operate the premises, a serious violation of the law. 

On August 20, 2021, the SLA charged the bar with twenty-four violations, including operating a disorderly premise, failure to supervise, selling to minors, availing and numerous serious fire and life safety violations. 

“The SLA has zero tolerance for violent bars that threaten the safety of their neighborhoods and strain police resources,” said SLA Chairman Vincent Bradley. “This emergency suspension should serve as a message that this agency will not hesitate to take immediate action when a bar poses an imminent threat to their community.”

K-Show has amassed $18,000 in fines imposed by the SLA for violations including operating a disorderly premises, employing unlicensed bouncers, failure to supervise, and violations of the NYS Clean Indoor Air Act.  During the suspension period the SLA intends to seek the permanent cancelation or revocation of the license.

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 a prompt 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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