Gov. Andrew Cuomo (Kevin P. Coughlin / Office of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo)
Aug. 10, 2020 By Allie Griffin
Governor Andrew Cuomo scorned his hometown Sunday as Queens establishments once again racked up the most COVID-19 rule violations over the weekend.
The State Liquor Authority (SLA) and State Police task force issued violations to 26 Queens bars and restaurants that weren’t in compliance with state-mandated coronavirus regulations on Friday and Saturday.
“Come on, Queens,” Cuomo said during a press briefing Sunday after announcing the number of violations.
“We need the NYPD to step up and help in New York City and we need local governments across the board to also be doing their job.”
In total, the joint task force visited 2,294 businesses in New York City and Long Island and found 60 in violation of measures meant to stop the spread of COVID-19, including mask wearing and social distancing.
“Protect the progress,” Cuomo urged.
The SLA and State Police also issued violations to 22 eateries in Manhattan, four in Staten Island, two in Brooklyn, two in the Bronx, three in Nassau and one in Suffolk on Friday and Saturday.
The SLA has suspended the liquor licenses of dozens of Queens bars and restaurants that have had multiple violations or particularly egregious violations over the past several weeks.
The SLA had suspended the liquor licenses of 37 Queens establishments as of Aug. 3. Cuomo didn’t say if any additional bars or restaurants lost their licenses over the weekend.
Queens suspensions greatly outnumber those in the other boroughs. Manhattan had 17 suspensions, the Bronx has 10 suspensions, Brooklyn has eight and Staten Island has two, as of Aug. 3.
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5 Comments
The punishment doesn’t fit the crime here. We’re talking unplayable business crushing fines here. This act shuts down these businesses, permanently. They’ve singled out Astoria.
Really, Astoria is the only place where this is going on? Please.
Cuomo, you screwed up the pandemic response by not having mandatory masks. Now, you are killing the businesses that are just struggling to survive, inside the very confusing phase 4 parameters. Jeez.
Maybe if this heel gave the bars/restos any form of lifeline, rather then expecting them to pay rent/insurance/operating expenses with little to no revenue stream, they’d be more willing to oblige. You’ve given most of these businesses a death sentence, and they’re doing whatever it takes to survive.
Agree that safety is important, but do your part and help keep these businesses afloat, or this is what your gonna get.
really wish they would do the same to the ab users on Center Blvd, . Such abusers and RUINING the neighborhood
Pity he was not worried about people losing power for a week him and debbozzo should be fired
I would like to say, That this Coronavirus is Nothing more than a Man Made Disease!!!!???? Or is it a act of God??? Come on what do U Think???? Ok Now!!!