Paterson cites bars in three-day crackdown against late night businesses
By Jonathan Greene
Published: October 26, 2020
The police issued violations to seven businesses, including shutting down a hookah lounge that had hundreds of people allegedly violating social distancing rules, during a three-day crackdown, according to public safety director Jerry Speziale.
Police began the crackdown on Thursday night.
Silk City Gentlemen’s Club at 10 1st Avenue was inspected. Police issued four administrative Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) violations.
Noches De Colombia at 365 21st Avenue was issued nine administrative Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) violations, including for an employee hindering an investigation. An ordinance violation was issued for obstructing a public passage.
Police conducted the inspection at Noches De Colombia after getting “significant complaints from residents” about fights, loud music, and large crowds.
On Friday night, police cited Gypsy Lounge at 166 Getty Avenue for having a DJ without entertainment and dance hall licenses. A manager was issued five summonses. Police also observed indoor smoking, and loud music.
Police cited the business for maintaining a nuisance. Gypsy Lounge had an open fire pit in middle of an enclosed area and allowed alcohol other than beer and wine, police said. Police observed 70 people inside allegedly violating social distancing rules.
Police ordered the business closed.
On Saturday night, police inspected the Gypsy Lounge again. Three summonses were issued to the owner for allowing indoor smoking, maintaining a nuisance, and allowing consumption of alcohol other than beer and wine. Business was cited for fire code violations.
Police again observed overcrowding at the Gypsy Lounge and ordered it closed.
On Friday night, police cited the Besan Café at 210 East Railway and ordered it closed due to overcrowding. Police issued four summonses to a manager for having a DJ without entertainment license, loud music, indoor smoking, and maintaining a nuisance.
Police observed more than 300 people at the business in violation of social distancing rules.
On Saturday night, police visited the Besan Café again. Police issued five summonses to the manager for having a DJ without an entertainment license, loud noise, indoor smoking, maintaining a nuisance, allowing the consumption of alcohol other than beer and wine. Business was also cited for fire code violations.
Police observed more than 160 people inside the Besan Café violating social distancing rules. Police ordered the business closed.
On Saturday, police cited La Chiflada at 62 Dover Street. Police issued three summoenses to the owner for indoor smoking, maintaining a nuisance, and allowing the consumption of alcohol other than beer and wine.
Police also observed overcrowding and social distancing violations. The business was ordered closed due to safety concerns.
Tease Gentlemen’s Club at 168 Getty Avenue was cited for fire code violations.
Casa Montego at 194-196 Union Avenue was issued five ABC violations and two summonses for not having entertainment and pool table licenses. It was also issued fire code violations.
Police also observed overcrowding and lack of social distancing at the bar.
Police said social distancing violations observed at Casa Montego, Gypsy Lounge, and Besan Café were forwarded to the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office for possible prosecution.
“We have worked too hard to slow the spread of the virus and will not stand for any establishment that doesn’t comply with capacity requirements,” mayor Andre Sayegh said. “This operation is an example of how adamant we are about enforcement and quality of life.”