Local bars cited by NYS Liquor Authority

By Russ Tarby

Contributing Writer

Two Liverpool-area taverns have been cited by the New York State Liquor Authority for violations of state regulations recently imposed to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

On July 23, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced the creation of a multi-agency task force to crack down on nonobservance of social distancing at restaurants and bars across the state. New York State Police and State Liquor Authority Chairman Vincent Bradley will lead the effort, the governor said.

Last week, task force investigators conducted 1,080 compliance checks across the state, documenting 84 violations. Since the start of the pandemic in March, the SLA has brought 443 charges against licensees statewide.

The Gathering Lounge, at 7871 Oswego Road, in the town of Clay, was cited on April 23 by the NYS Liquor Authority for violating pandemic regulations.

Among those were two local bars, Rocky’s Pub and the Gathering Lounge.

Rocky’s Pub, located at the old Ponderosa Plaza at 209 Oswego St., in Liverpool, was cited twice, once on March 26 and again on May 8, according to the SLA.

The Gathering Lounge, at 7871 Oswego Road, in the town of Clay, was cited on April 23.

A Baldwinsville establishment, the Tiki Island Bar at The Winds of Cold Springs Harbor Marina, 3642 Hayes Road, was cited on June 19.

More than two dozen businesses statewide were hit even harder. The SLA imposed 33 emergency suspensions, immediately closing those businesses.

Violations have far less serious ramifications than suspensions.

NYS Liquor Authority Violations often lead to disciplinary hearings with the SLA, but may simply result in a warning letter which notifies the tavern owners that they have committed a violation, but no disciplinary proceeding will be scheduled.

The newly formed task force should employ real-time data to enhance enforcement efforts by rapidly deploying investigators to respond to social distancing violations as they occur, Cuomo indicated.

The task force includes investigators from the Department of Health, Department of Financial Services, Department of Motor Vehicles, Department of Taxation and Finance, the New York State Insurance Fund and the Department of Agriculture and Markets.