Video on social media
POUGHKEEPSIE – The State Liquor Authority ordered an emergency suspension of the liquor license of Sweetheart Enterprises, Inc., doing business as Milo’s Cantina, at 206 Main Street in Poughkeepsie. Effective immediately no alcohol may be sold or consumed on the premises.
On May 31, a patron was assaulted by a security guard at the bar with the incident captured by another patron’s cell phone and posted on YouTube.
The SLA noted that at no time during the recorded video does a member of the bar staff attempt to intervene or diffuse the situation. During the altercation, the manager and another individual working behind the bar are seen picking up bar stools that were knocked over during the fight.
The manager also told the patron recording the video to leave the bar and is seen locking the door with the victim still being held down inside.
On June 6, SLA investigators visited Milo’s and met with the owner. The licensee indicated he was not present during the incident, but his staff advised him that the assaulted patron was acting obnoxiously and using foul language. The owner also told the investigators that the patron had dumped shots on the bar and threatened the security guard with a knife. The owner also maintained the video was edited to remove the security guard yelling that the patron had a knife.
It was later determined the bouncer is not a licensed security guard. The application filed with the SLA had stated the owner would not employ security personnel and or management staff.
On June 11, the SLA charged Milo’s with four violations of the ABC law, including operating a disorderly premises, failure to supervise, and employing unlicensed security guards.
