After two strikes, a Long Island City strip club is taking another swing at a liquor license.
21 Group Inc. — the proprietors of the controversial Show Palace strip club — requested that the New York State Liquor Authority (SLA) reconsider the venue’s recent application. In June, the SLA sent 21 Group Inc. a denial letter in response to the company’s second application for a liquor license, according to a representative from the SLA.
Formerly known as Gypsy Rose, Show Palace opened at 42-50 21st Street in late May despite strong opposition from community leaders and residents. The all-nude club underneath the Queensboro Bridge opted for a no-clothes policy in response to previous liquor license rejections — forbidden in establishments where alcohol is served in New York.
Local officials remain steadfastly against the LIC jiggle joint receiving a liquor license, standing by their beliefs that such an establishment would be detrimental to one of the most up-and-coming neighborhoods in New York City.
“Nothing has changed since the last application and the community, including the community board, every elected official that represents the area, and the faith community all remain opposed,” said Councilmember Jimmy Van Bramer.
Last week, State Senator Michael Gianaris wrote a letter to the chairman of the SLA, urging him that this neighborhood is not the appropriate place for a sex-based business as there are mass amounts of revitalization occurring in the area.
Show Palace’s Facebook page touts itself as “New York’s 1st Fully Nude, Brand New, Luxury Gentlemen’s Cabaret & Restaurant.”
The establishment’s website gives patrons the option to sign a petition against the denial of a liquor license.
“We have evidence that adult establishments, if properly zoned, as this one is, can have a positive impact on the local community as they bring life to the neighborhood after dark, they add security and surveillance to the area, and they bring much needed tax dollars and JOBS that directly benefit the local community,” states the petition.
As of press time, the petition for Show Palace’s liquor license garnered 1,185 of the goal of 5,000 signatures.
Attempts to contact Terry Flynn, 21 Group Inc.’s attorney, were unsuccessful as of press time.
