New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo has suspended the liquor licenses of 45 businesses throughout the state over violations of his social distancing mandates.
A dozen of the bars that were stripped of licenses were located in New York City. In a Tuesday press release, Cuomo said the bars made “egregious violations” of the state’s policies.
“New Yorkers have worked hard to flatten the curve, but the bars and restaurants that ignore public health guidance are disrespecting their sacrifices which have saved lives while allowing us to sustain the reopening of our economy,” Cuomo said.
“Local governments must enforce the law, but the task force has stepped up its efforts and with these additional suspensions we are sending a clear message that the State will not hesitate to take action against businesses that put New Yorkers’ health and safety at risk,” he added.
Cuomo threatened bars with a $10,000 fine per violation. He noted that officials conducted 1,300 compliance checks throughout the state with an additional 644 compliance checks in New York City on Monday alone. State Liquor Authority Chairman Vincent Bradley said bars that violate social distancing rules are placing customers’ lives in danger.
“The SLA will continue to immediately suspend licensees who jeopardize lives by flagrantly violating the governor’s executive orders. Our communities, as well as the majority of restaurant and bar owners and staff, have endured great sacrifices to bend the curve, and the SLA will not hesitate to take immediate action against those who threaten the progress our state has made,” Bradley said.
Of the businesses that had their licenses suspended, most were cited for serving alcohol without food, remaining open past the 11 p.m. curfew, or having employees interact with customers without a face covering.
