By Bill Parry
With reoccurring criminal activity and alarming reports revealing dozens of public safety concerns, state Sen. Michael Gianaris (D-Astoria) is calling for the closure of Aces New York, a strip joint located at 31-10 37th Ave. in Long Island City. Gianaris is demanding the State Liquor Authority deny a renewal of the club’s cabaret license.
“Aces is notorious for its ongoing troubling activity,” Gianaris said. “Residents deserve to live in a community where they feel safe, with a robust quality of life. It’s time we get rid of this bad adult establishment once and for all and apply our resources towards protecting our schools, small businesses and families.”
Recent police reports from the 114th Precinct indicate that a disproportionate number of disturbing incidents come from Aces New York, including gang-related shootings, arrests and summonses. In May 2016, a gang-related shooting took place outside the nightclub requiring police attention to regularly monitor the business, according to Gianaris. Additionally, 252, 911 calls were placed to report incidents and criminal activity related to Aces New York in 2016 alone, Gianaris said.
In a letter penned to SLA Chairman Vincent Bradley, Gianaris wrote that criminal activity has increased significantly and affected the community’s public safety.
“Aces did not comply with its cabaret license in 2016. The establishment failed to display its license, post warning signs and employed unlicensed security guards among numerous violations,” he wrote. “In 2016, Aces was temporarily closed due to several licensing issues and it is my understanding that Community Board 1 has repeatedly requested the SLA not issue liquor licenses to Aces. It is evident that Aces is a danger to local residents and a detriment to our community’s quality of life.”
Aces ownership could not be reached for comment.
Reach reporter Bill Parry by e-mail at bparr
