Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced the state has suspended liquor licenses for 7 bars — five in New York City, one in Westchester County, and one in Erie County — after finding egregious violations of pandemic-related Executive Orders. On Wednesday night, the state’s multi-agency task force, led by the State Police and State Liquor Authority, conducted 835 compliance checks and documented violations at 41 establishments. Businesses found in violation of COVID-19 regulations face fines up to $10,000 per violation, while egregious violations can result in the immediate suspension of a bar or restaurant’s liquor license.
“The rising rate of infection among young people and the issue of crowded bars is not unique to New York — the World Health Organization has warned about it, states all across the country are dealing with it, and even the President has said young people should avoid bars — but we are taking decisive action in the Empire State to make sure it does not undermine our progress against the coronavirus,” Governor Cuomo said. “Last night, our task force observed violations at 41 more establishments downstate, and today we are suspending 7 bars from across the state that have flouted coronavirus-related rules. The State Police and State Liquor Authority are doing their jobs — and we need local governments to step up and do theirs.”
State Liquor Authority Chair Vincent Bradley said: “We will continue to hold licensees accountable for protecting New Yorkers’ health and safety in bars and restaurants. New Yorkers have sacrificed to bend the curve of coronavirus, and at a time when dozens of states are seeing cases surge, we all have a shared responsibility to keep this virus at bay.”
Seven establishments were issued emergency orders of summary suspension from the State Liquor Authority Board following a meeting on July 30th