Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Tuesday that four metro-area bars, including Secrets Gentlemen's Club in Deer Park, have been stripped of their licenses to operate for refusing to comply with social distancing guidelines.
He says the establishments were never supposed to open in the first place.
The bars came under the scrutiny of the state Liquor Authority after videos were posted on social media over the weekend. The videos showed hundreds of young people crowded in and near bars from the East End to Long Beach and Queens.
Cuomo says data shows COVID-19 is spread particularly among young people, and reiterated that phase four allows for outdoor dining, not drinking.
He says the State Liquor Authority has suspended 27 bar and restaurant licenses statewide, with 410 charges against establishments. Cuomo also says the state will roll back bar and restaurant reopenings if the large gatherings continue.
News 12 reached out to Secrets Gentlemen's Club for comment.