By Emily Davenport
The State Liquor Authority (SLA) has once again suspended the liquor license at a Richmond Hill bar with a history of shootings and other violations.
Effective immediately, no alcohol can be consumed or sold at the Rose Lounge, located at 89-25 130th St.
The decision came just three days after an early morning shooting outside of the bar that left five people injured.
At 3:46 a.m. on Dec. 8, an unknown man opened fire outside of the Rose Lounge, injuring four women and one man. The victims were taken to local hospitals for treatment and the shooter remains at large, according to authorities.
On the day of the shooting, the SLA, NYPD and the NYC Department of Health (DOH) conducted an inspection of the premises. The inspection resulted in 67 violations, including 14 NYPD criminal court summonses and 27 DOH violations.
On Dec. 10, the SLA charged the Rose Lounge with 10 additional violations, including operating a disorderly premises, employing unlicensed bouncers, and becoming a focal point for police attention, plus additional health and safety violations.
According to the SLA, there is a history of “disturbing incidents” at the Rose Lounge, which has been licensed since March 2018.
On March 9, the bar reportedly hosted a birthday party for a deceased member of a gang despite warnings from the NYPD that similar events had led to disorderly crowds and arrests. Later that same month on March 25, police were called to the bar for a fight that required more units to break up.
On April 15, a double shooting outside of the Rose Lounge — located at 89-25 130th St. — left two people injured. Finally, on Nov. 3, a female patron reported an attempted rape by a man who claimed to be a bouncer.
“The continuing violence and disorder occurring at this establishment clearly shows this bar is being run in a manner that is an imminent threat to the public health, safety and welfare,” said Counsel to the Authority Christopher R. Riano. “I commend the Authority for shutting down this dangerous bar that has menaced their neighbors, placed their patrons in danger and taxed the resources of the 102nd Precinct.”
