ALBANY – The New York State Liquor Authority, Wednesday, suspended the liquor license of Wahter Inc, doing business as “Bourbon Street of Monroe” at 78 Mill Pond Parkway in Monroe.
The business was operating in violation of the governor’s executive order, which requires bars and restaurants to cease on-premises service of food and alcoholic beverages to combat the spread of the coronavirus.
On April 29th, in response to complaints about customers gathering inside, Monroe Police officers reported discovering eight patrons sitting at the bar consuming alcoholic beverages. Officers issued a warning to the owner’s spouse, who was operating the location at the time, and she agreed that the premises would comply with the order moving forward.
Two hours later, an officer driving by the premises observed a patron sitting at the bar through the window.
Just four days later, on May 3rd police were again dispatched to the premises in response to a complaint. Monroe officers entered the premises observing four patrons sitting at the bar with alcoholic beverages. The owner was present but had allowed service on the premises just days after the warning.
On May 11, the SLA charged Bourbon Street of Monroe with multiple violations of failure to comply with Governor Cuomo’s Executive Orders concerning COVID-19 restaurant restrictions and failure to supervise the licensed premises.
“While this is a challenging time for businesses, the State Liquor Authority and Governor Cuomo have put in place unprecedented emergency guidelines to help our licensees continue doing business,” said SLA Chairman Vincent Bradley. “Ignoring these regulations, that were put into place for the health and safety of New Yorkers, is irresponsible and puts everyone at risk.”
