Nassau Bar Shut Down Over Social Distancing Violations

ISLAND PARK, NY — A bar in Nassau County became the first on Long Island to have its liquor license suspended over violations of Gov. Andrew Cuomo's social distancing orders. But the bar contests the charges.

The State Liquor Authority (SLA) voted July 1 to suspend the license of Dox, located at 10 Broadway in Island Park, after repeated violations of social distancing orders were reported by the Nassau County Fire Marshal. The SLA board also criticized the fire marshal for not taking stricter action against the bar.

Dox is the first location on Long Island to have its liquor license suspended due to social distancing violations.

“This licensee received repeated warnings and chose to ignore them, causing an unnecessary and avoidable health risk to patrons, employees and the community,” said SLA Chairman Vincent Bradley. “Licensees who ignore these lifesaving protocols are not just jeopardizing their licenses, they’re jeopardizing people’s lives.”

According to the SLA, Dox received five visits from the Nassau County Fire Marshal over a month for complaints of overcrowding, noise and no social distancing. The fire marshal gave the bar verbal warnings when inspectors visited on May 17, June 13 and June 19. Written warnings were issued June 20 and 26.

After five visits to the location, the fire marshal and SLA investigators visited the bar together on June 27. They found 235 patrons on the bar's patio, which is only licensed to accommodate 42 people. The bar was charged with 42 violations, which included violations from the fire marshal and the SLA.

At the meeting to discuss suspending Dox's license, the SLA trustees also criticized the Nassau County Fire Marshal for not taking stricter action with the bar. Had Dox been given more than just verbal warnings after the first visits, they said, it may have prevented further violations.

John Springer, a New York liquor license consultant who is representing Dox, contested the charges that were filed against the bar. He claims that Dox was given no warnings from the fire marshal, either verbal or written. He said they were given orders to remedy, which are normal for any bar or restaurant to receive.

"I think the liquor authority weaponized the fire marshal," Springer said. "Because the fire marshal was working with Dox."

Springer also said the bar contests the 42 person occupancy that was cited by the SLA. Springer said that the bar was approved by the Town of Hempstead Board of Zoning Appeals for seating for 42 people, but that the space is 5,000 square feet and can hold much more. He said the bar was working with the BZA and the fire marshal to get its maximum occupancy sorted out.

"The SLA was quick to criticize the fire marshal, but the fire marshal was doing what they were supposed to: putting [the bar] in compliance," said Springer. "That's what the liquor authority should be doing: putting them into compliance, not closing them down. Not laying off 30 people who just went back to work."