ALBANY (WCBS 880) — Gov. Andrew Cuomo says a total of 217 businesses in New York have had their liquor licenses suspended amid the pandemic.
On Tuesday, the governor announced the state has suspended liquor licenses for 16 additional bars and restaurants in the state, after inspectors found “egregious violations of pandemic-related executive orders.”
The suspensions came over the course of a week, in which the state’s multi-agency task force, led by the state police and the State Liquor Authority, conducted 8,634 compliance checks. The task force documented violations at a total of 40 establishments.
Of the 16 bars and restaurants that lost their liquor licenses, seven were in New York City.
"Our heightened enforcement efforts are clearly making a difference - leading to more compliance and fewer violations, which has always been the goal. However, some business owners still believe these health and safety measures are optional, and we will not hesitate to hold those who recklessly put their fellow New Yorkers' health and safety at risk accountable," Governor Cuomo said.
He added: "With the start of flu season upon us, colleges and schools opening, and localized coronavirus clusters in the state, we cannot take any chances - and we must continue to enforce the rules that helped us beat back this deadly virus."
The SLA says it will continue enforcement efforts throughout the state, with a focus in and around college area and areas experiencing an uptick in COVID cases.
“The task force has been working diligently to stop the small number of businesses who feel they are above the law from putting the public's health and safety at risk. There are more good apples in New York than bad, and we want to thank those who have been adapting to these tough situations and working to keep their employees and patrons healthy,” said SLA Chair Vincent Bradley.