A problematic bar near St. John’s University is facing its last call after a local community board voted against renewing its liquor license.
Community Board 8’s Liquor License Committee rejected Cheap Shots’ renewal application Monday, citing numerous complaints the 149-05 Union Tpke. bar has racked up since it opened in March 2010.
“This is the most I’ve heard about any establishment,” Committee Chair Michael Hannibal said. “There’s a concern.”
Rowdy customers break out in fights, repeatedly robbing neighbors in a residential area of a good night’s sleep, board members said.
Some have also been spotted urinating and vomiting in front of the bar, according to 107th Precinct Community Council President Carolann Foley.
“It appears to me your business is a cancer to the community,” said board member Marc Haken. “It is decaying the community. You have to be cut out of the community.”
Bar representatives have had multiple meetings with local civic leaders, but to no avail, the board said.
“It’s pretty serious,” said Councilmember Rory Lancman, calling the bar a “magnet for criminal activity” and the site of four arrests in the last year.
“Cheap Shots has failed to clean up its act and has instead remained a blight on our community,” he said.
The committee unanimously voted to shut down the renewal and urged the New York State Liquor Authority (SLA) to follow suit.
The sobering news means Cheap Shots could be forced to close if it loses its ability to serve alcohol.
Its current liquor license expires Feb. 28. SLA officials did not immediately comment.
“Right now, we don’t know what this means for us. It’s basically in jeopardy,” said Louis Abreu, the bar’s owner. “I’m trying my best to fit in. It’s not easy, but I’m not throwing in the towel.”
The bar boss said he shells out at least $800 on security detail on weekends to keep a handle on commotions and often calls the police himself when fights erupt.
“What happened at the meeting was a lynch mob,” Abreu said.
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