A popular New Hyde Park restaurant has lost its liquor license for violating COVID-19 restrictions, according to Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s office.
In a news release Tuesday, the office said that Cabo Sports Bar & Mexican Grill at 271-11 Union Turnpike in New Hyde Park was investigated by a State Liquor Authority (SLA) employee on Nov. 18.
“[The] investigator conducting an inspection observed 43 patrons crowded inside the premises – despite the establishment having a maximum occupancy of just 25 under COVID-related regulations – and documented numerous patrons and employees without facial coverings, tables improperly spaced, and a complete disregard for social distancing protocols,” the office said.
“Before exiting, the investigator warned the owner about the violations and ensured the licensee was aware of the mandatory 10:00 p.m. statewide closing time. However, when the investigator returned at 10:30 p.m., the premises was still operating, with patrons drinking, congregating, and smoking hookah inside.”
A day after the investigator’s second visit on Nov. 20, the SLA’s Board of Commissioners voted to revoke the license.
The restaurant is the third establishment on the North Shore to have its license revoked due to violations of COVID-19 restrictions. In September, Toku Modern Asian at the Americana Manhasset had its revoked following an excessive amount of patrons, going against the Department of Health’s indoor seating guidelines, and allowing patrons to purchase drinks at the indoor bar and take them outside.
In October, Leonard’s of Great Neck had its license revoked after hosting a wedding with 100 to 120 guests, at least double the 50-person limit on nonessential gatherings.
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. The governor’s office said that 279 liquor licenses in the state have been suspended during the coronavirus pandemic.
“New York still has one of the country’s lowest infection rates and that is a testament to the toughness and unity of New Yorkers all doing what they can to limit spread. Unfortunately, however, some establishments have continued to ignore the rules, putting their customers, as well as their community as a whole, at risk,” Cuomo said in the statement.
“If we let our guard down and ignore basic public health rules, this winter could be one of the darkest periods of this pandemic and we simply cannot let that happen. We know the vaccine is on the way, we know there is a light at the end of the tunnel, but if we let up now and become undisciplined, it’s going to take us even longer to get there.”
An unnamed representative of the restaurant said in a phone call that the restaurant would continue to sell food and hookah.
