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3 More Long Island Businesses Face Liquor License Suspensions For Pandemic Violations

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Two catering halls and a bar are among the latest establishments on Long Island to have their liquor licenses suspended for allegedly violating social distancing orders meant to curb the spread of coronavirus.

Those cited include Leonard’s of Great Neck, the Pine Grove Inn in East Patchogue, and D’Ambiance Bar & Lounge in Baldwin.

“As we continue to fight clusters across the state, bar and restaurant owners should know that the State’s task force will keep enforcing the law, and if they do not follow the rules they will lose their right to serve alcohol,” Gov. Andrew Cuomo said.

The three were among 21 establishments that had liquor licenses suspended after New York State Liquor Authority investigators found alleged violations in the past month. Two hundred eight restaurants had their licenses suspended since the pandemic began. The SLA has suspended the licenses of more than a dozen LI restaurants in recent months, including Dox in Island Park, Secrets Gentlemen’s Club in Deer Park, 75 Main and Blu Mar in Southampton, Off Key Tikki in Patchogue, Toku Modern Asian in Manhasset, among others.

Following complaints of a large gathering and excessive noise on Sept. 25 at Leonard’s of Great Neck, the Nassau County Fire Marshall met with the manager, who said the venue was hosting a wedding with more than 100 guests, which is double the state-mandated limit of 50, officials said. The venue had been warned about social distancing violations two weeks prior, according to investigators.

At Pine Grove Inn, Suffolk County police officers responded to 911 calls of social distancing violations, reckless driving, and vehicles blocking driveways and upon arrival at the venue, found more than 200 mostly maskless patrons attending an event whole not social distancing at an unlicensed outdoor area of the premises, authorities said.

And at D’Ambiance, Nassau authorities found six patrons standing and drinking at the bar without facial coverings, with no evidence of food being served, the SLA said. That came a few days after a woman was shot outside the bar following an altercation that started inside while the lounge was over capacity, authorities added.

None of the three establishments responded to requests for comment.

For more coronavirus coverage, visit longislandpress.com/coronavirus

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