License Suspended at Huntington Bar Over Covid-19 Regulations

A Huntington bar is among 23 bars and restaurants to have their liquor licenses suspended because of violations of Covid-19 regulations, the state announced Wednesday.

The Big Kahuna Bar & Grill at 1730 East Jericho Turnpike in Huntington, violated the rules on Feb. 5, the state said, when investigators with the state’s multi-agency task force observed approximately 150 patrons inside the premises, over two times the maximum occupancy under COVID-related regulations.

At least 50 patrons were without facemasks standing, drinking and ignoring social distancing. Investigators also observed three bartenders and two kitchen employees without facemasks and a DJ performing, in violation of their approved license.  The license was suspended Feb. 7.

 The state said liquor licenses are being suspended after inspectors have found egregious violations of pandemic-related Executive Orders, bringing the total number of liquor licenses suspended during the coronavirus pandemic to 393. In 2021, 449 charges have been filed against bars and restaurants for violating rules meant to stop the spread.

Businesses found in violation of COVID-19 regulations face fines up to $10,000 per violation, while egregious violations can result in the immediate suspension of a bar or restaurant’s liquor license.

“Thanks to New Yorkers’ hard work, we bent the curve last spring and fought off the holiday surge this winter and if we want the numbers to continue moving in the right direction, we have to keep our guard up and enforce rules that we know keep people safe,” Governor Cuomo said. “The vast majority of bar and restaurants are following the rules, but we have zero tolerance for those who openly ignore public health measures, putting New Yorkers’ lives at risk — and we will continue to hold them accountable.”

A county-by-county breakdown of the 23 establishments issued emergency orders of summary suspension from the State Liquor Authority Board is below.

In New York City:

  • Bronx – 2
  • Brooklyn – 6
  • Manhattan – 3
  • Queens – 7

Outside of New York City:

  • Nassau – 1
  • Suffolk – 4

Leave a Reply