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Brooklyn Karaoke Bar With Nearly 300 People Inside Shut Down Over Labor Day Weekend
By
Ben Yakas
Published Sep 8, 2020
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Sheriff's Office
By
Ben Yakas
Published Sep 8, 2020
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A Brooklyn karaoke bar was shut down over the Labor Day weekend after nearly 300 people were found inside breaking the state's COVID-19 safety guidelines.
The Legend KTV, located on 61st Street in Borough Park, was shuttered by the task force consisting of the Sheriff’s Office and the State Liquor Authority (SLA) early Sunday morning. Investigators allegedly found more than 281 people inside drinking, dancing, and smoking.
Officials also said the venue had an obstructed exit, exceeded the DOB occupancy, had its liquor license revoked in 2019, had a vacate order from 2018, and had a minor present.
Six people were arrested and charged with violating coronavirus restrictions and liquor laws, and using unlicensed security guards. One person was also charged with endangering the welfare of a child.
The SLA has since revoked the bar’s license for “failing to comply with applicable health, safety, and governmental regulations,” and selling alcohol where they were not licensed to do so.
This was the third large karaoke bar that was shut down by investigators in the last two weeks. CJ Diamond Cafe, located on College Point Boulevard near 41st Avenue in Queens, was raided around 11:30 p.m. on September 1st and allegedly had more than 100 people on site. “Two rooms were still occupied with patrons singing, drinking, and smoking without masks and not social distancing. Several other rooms were found empty with beer and hard liquor set ups,” Sheriff Joe Fucito said in a statement.
And on August 31st, SOHO KTV & Bar, also in Queens, was shut down after officials found it was allegedly serving indoor food and alcohol to about 75 people.
In late August, the SLA updated their website to clarify new guidelines that specify that restaurants, bars and other venues with liquor licenses are prohibited from offering live music, ticketed events, karaoke and other forms of outdoor entertainment. A group of venues and bars subsequently sued the SLA, arguing the rule changes are not only unworkable, but also unconstitutional.
Tagged
COVID-19
coronavirus
sla
state liquor authority
brooklyn
karaoke bars
Ben Yakas
Ben Yakas is a former Gothamist reporter.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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