May 19, 2015 By Christian Murray
The Beer Closet, which currently sells an array of different brews as a retailer, has plans to open up its back room and set up a bar.
Mario Cruz, the owner of the 5-37 51st Avenue store, went before a Community Board 2 committee last week seeking a wine and beer license as part of his plan to open a bar that would cater to about 25 patrons.
He initially told the board that he planned to open until 4 am. He also said that he had no intention of using his backyard space.
However, Cruz quickly recognized that his 4 am request was a big ask and then said that 1 am or 2 am would suffice.
However, he received some resistance.
Pat O’Brien, the chairman of the committee that oversees liquor licenses, said that the bar would be located on a narrow residential street and that he had concern for neighbors. The committee agreed with O’Brien and decided that the establishment should have its hours limited to 10 pm during weeknights and 11 pm on weekends.
However, the committee noted that it would review the hours of similar establishments nearby before coming to a final conclusion.
O’Brien said that if the establishment proves itself to be a good operator over time, Cruz could come back and ask to extend the hours.
