Nov. 19, 2015 By Christian Murray
A Vernon Blvd. bar will soon be able to remain open until 4 am on weeknights after being given the thumbs up by Community Board 2.
Woodbines, which has been located at 47-10 Vernon Blvd for the past two years, went before the board Tuesday seeking permission to remain open until 4 am on week nights. The popular bar is currently permitted to open until 2 am on weeknights and 4 am on weekends.
The application followed the community board’s approval of a bar that is opening at 47-02 Vernon Blvd to operate until 4 am seven days a week.(see article). That approval came with the condition that the establishment, called Gantry LIC, keeps its kitchen open until 2 am.
“A business similar to ours down the block was recently approved until 4 am seven days a week and we just want a level playing field,” said Patrick Burke, the owner of Woodbines, at Community Board 2’s City Services meeting Tuesday.
The change to Woodbines’ hours was expected to be debated at a public hearing in Hunters Point. However, due to CB2 budget constraints and the lack of other Long Island City liquor license applications, the board handled the matter at its monthly City Services meeting.
Burke told the board that he does not envisage opening until 4 am during the week at present. However, he said, as the neighborhood grows—or if certain events take place– he wants the ability to be able to compete.
Burke provided the board with an example. He said New Year’s Eve is on a Thursday. He said it wouldn’t be fair if he had to close at 2 am and a competitor could remain open until 4 am.
The board gave Burke the nod, under the same condition as Gantry LIC. It must keep its kitchen open until 2 am.
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