Excessive noise, drug use and even episodes of violence led police to shut down two Ridgewood bars earlier this week.
In executing court orders, the 104th Precinct padlocked the Arena Billiards Cafe located at 341 St. Nicholas Ave. and Sabor Y Rumba located at 666 Seneca Ave. for various infractions. The precinct announced the shutdowns on its Twitter account on Monday.
According to sources, the closures were the result of investigations launched through complaints from local residents. Police found that Sabor Y Rumba allegedly sold alcohol illegally to underage patrons and continued to sell booze to overly intoxicated patrons. The establishment also had a history of noise complaints.
The allegations at Arena Billiards were more serious, police sources noted, as the club served as an incubator of criminal activity that eventually spilled onto the streets, such as assaults, robberies, and drug use and possession.
In March, a 21-year-old man was shot to death on Palmetto Street, a few steps away from the Arena Billiards entrance.
The owners of both establishments were ordered to appear in civil court to answer to the various charges against them. They must pay any civil penalties incurred before reopening the establishments, according to police.
RECOMMENDED STORIES
