By Lesley Grimm
Bright new awnings are already in place touting “Xtreme Billiards & Bar” – but a new Bay Ridge business is yet to lock up a liquor license. And that is exactly how some local leaders want it to stay. Businessman Michael Gee is gearing up to open a multi-faceted operation at 823 65th Street, featuring a bar, billiards hall, arcade room, internet café and bakery. Gee recently outlined his plan for the 8,000-square-foot facility before Community Board 10’s Police and Public Safety Committee. But board members were less than enthusiastic, claiming the business will attract a young crowd and therefore shouldn’t be permitted to serve alcohol. “The arcade is going to draw all kind of kids,” said CB 10 member Robert Buonvino, noting the business’s proximity to area schools and youth sporting venues. “There’s just so much going on — I think it’s an invitation for all sorts of problems,” added CB 10 member Tim Cross. The committee passed a resolution to inform the New York State Liquor Authority that they do not support the agency granting Xtreme Billiards and Bar a liquor license. The full board will vote on the recommendation on February 26. Gee responded to the committee’s concerns by assuring members he would hire security guards and enforce strict age limits. Patrons would be required to be at least 16 years old to enter, or 14 years old if accompanied by a parent. District Manager Josephine Beckman also voiced concerns about the safety of internet cafes, citing previous incidents of crime and violence at different Brooklyn establishments. “Whenever we hear of an internet café, a red flag goes up,” Beckman said. “Drug dealers seem to magnate there because of the groups of young people.” Gee’s attorney, Alan Gardner, distanced Xtreme from the problems plaguing other internet cafes, stating that because it is located at a licensed venue, it will be subject to constant surveillance by security guards. “It will be under better monitoring than most internet cafes,” Gardner asserted. “You want to be proactive.” Xtreme Billiards & Bar Corp first applied for a liquor license for the 65th business in early 2003, and was granted a conditional letter of approval later that year. Gardner and Gee explained the project then faced “substantial construction delays.” Because of the time lapse, the State Liquor Authority’s conditional approval expired, forcing Xtreme Billiards to reapply for a license. The business is expected to reapply in the coming weeks. “I certainly hope they would recognize it’s essentially the same application as before, and I would hope they would move more quickly than they usually do,” Gardner said of the State Liquor Authority process. Gee told CB 10 that he plans to open “hopefully by the end of the month.” Gee currently operates two Manhattan businesses, both with liquor licenses: Golden Bridge Restaurant at 50 Bowery Street and Grand Billiards & Café at 90 Eldridge Street. Community Board 10’s role in determining liquor licenses is only advisory, and its recommendation is non-binding. The State Liquor Authority (SLA) has the final authority to approve or reject license applications, and the state body does not always agree with a community board’s assessment. This was demonstrated in 2005, when CB 10 objected to a license for Status Q Billiards 8218 3rd Avenue in Bay Ridge, citing similar concerns for the potential for underage drinking. Despite the board’s reservations, Status Q’s liquor license was approved.
