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The establishment, 75 Main Group in Southampton, was fined and had its liquor license suspended for “egregious violations” following inspections by the State Liquor Authority and New York State Police Task Force.
In total, 3,964 establishments were checked, with violations found in 34 of them, including 75 Main Group.
"Over the last five months, New Yorkers have made great sacrifices to bend the curve, and today's record-low infection rate shows that when we listen to science and take this virus seriously, we can make a difference,” New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said.
"But too many bars and restaurants are still flouting rules in place to stop the spread and local governments need to step up -- so we've beefed up enforcement with the state police and liquor authority to hold bad actors accountable.”
On Saturday, Aug. 22, investigators conducted a joint investigation of 75 Main Group, where there was a line of patrons spiraling out the door, ignoring social distancing rules and failing to wear facial coverings.
Investigators also observed two bartenders and three servers without facial coverings.
Roughly an hour after the initial inspection, investigators returned to find multiple employees and patrons standing, mingling and drinking around the bar without facial coverings, with several patrons from nearby tables wandering up to the bar to mingle and consume shots -- in violation of Cuomo's Executive Order prohibiting walk-up bar service.
They also observed long lines at the restrooms without social distancing and with several patrons not wearing facial coverings.
At least 27 employees were working at the time of the inspection, with none of them observed attempting to control the lines or prohibit patrons from consuming alcohol while standing near the bar.
Later that same night, at approximately 11:00 p.m., the joint inspection team entered the premises, observing two employees run to the kitchen to alert staff.
Upon entering, investigators identified 25 additional violations - including serious health hazards - and four criminal court summonses issued. In addition, earlier in the evening, an 18-year-old underage agent was able to purchase alcohol on two separate occasions without being asked for identification.
According to Cuomo’s office, the business is a repeat offender, with the Village of Southampton Police documenting 75 patrons eating inside on Saturday, June 13, prior to indoor dining being allowed on Long Island, and investigators from the state police task force observing three employees without facial coverings on Tuesday, July 28.
Charges from both previous incidents are pending with the Liquor Authority.
Seven restaurants and bars in Brooklyn, three in Queens, and one each in Manhattan, Albany, and Schenectady also had their liquor licenses suspended for violations.
"Now is not the time to lose sight of our goal, and if compliance slips, all of the progress we've made over the last five months could be undermined,” Cuomo said. “These establishments put the health of their staff, their patrons, and all New Yorkers at risk -- and their actions are simply unacceptable."
State Liquor Authority Chair Vincent Bradley added: "We are seeing better compliance as a direct result of the hard work and time the task force is putting in, but there are still bad apples out there that need to be held accountable.
“As we head into the last couple weekends of summer, licensees need to continue to be vigilant and put the health and safety of New Yorkers on the top of their priority lists."
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