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State Suspends Liquor License of Rowdy Nautical Mile Bar

Bracco's Clam & Oyster Bar

The New York State Liquor Authority (SLA) suspended the license of a Nautical Mile bar where Freeport village police officers were pelted with debris following a performance by rapper 50 Cent earlier this month.

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The ruling Tuesday by the three-member SLA board means that Bracco’s Clam and Oyster Bar on Woodcleft Avenue in Freeport may not serve alcohol and no booze can be consumed on the premises, effective immediately, the agency said. The suspension, which will be subject of a hearing, follows a string of other complaints and fines.

“Bracco’s owners and staff have shown complete ineffectiveness in controlling these large crowds at concerts they were never licensed to hold in the first place,” SLA Chairman Bradley said in a statement. “Freeport residents have a right to enjoy the Nautical Mile without being subject to this type of mayhem, and the SLA is sending a clear message we will not hesitate to take immediate action to protect the safety of patrons, police officers and residents.”

Freeport village police reported the bar to the SLA after rapper 50 Cent, who was only supposed to be at Bracco’s to promote his Vodka, performed for 45 minutes, drawing a rowdy crowd that later pelted officers with debris as they made an arrest after the rapper left, officials have said.

SLA officials added that village police also reported an unauthorized concert on July 16 that included lewd and indecent behavior, nudity and irresponsible alcohol consumption that was recorded on video. Police have responded to 97 calls, received 20 noise complaints and arrested six people at Bracco’s since May 1, the agency noted. Freeport Mayor Robert Kennedy said the complaints about Bracco’s number in the hundreds beyond this summer.

As a result of the latest complaints, the SLA on Monday charged Bracco’s with 21 violations, including assaults, disorderly premises, improper conduct for making misrepresentations to the police, permitting live performances in violation of their license and for becoming a focal point for police attention. The owners, who were not immediately available for comment, can appeal the license suspension before an administrative law judge at an expedited hearing.

The SLA previously fined Bracco’s $2,500 last year, $4,000 in June and $4,500 in July for excess noise, lack of supervision and other charges. It was also fined $2,500 in 2012 for selling after hours.

An employee who answered the phone at Bracco’s said nobody was available to comment.