An east Bronx bar that’s raised hell – and neighbors’ hackles – has been slapped with heavy fines. But the violations apparently were not enough for the Pompeii Bar and Lounge on E. Tremont Avenue to have its liquor license suspended or revoked.
An administrative law judge fined it $15,000 over State Liquor Authority violations from 2011. It was fined about $14,000 in January over eight 2010 charges – which were quickly paid. Senator Jeff Klein and Councilman Jimmy Vacca, both active in the fight against the bar, hailed the new fine.
“Hopefully, this steep fine sends a strong message to all nightclub owners that crime doesn’t pay,” said Klein.
The new fine – for a disorderly premise appears related to a brawl, and for overcrowding and lack of an assembly permit in a multi-agency raid on March 20, 2011.
But the ruling, issued Wednesday, September 12, will not yet cause the bar’s liquor license to be suspended or revoked.
“Another day, another fine or shut down!,” said Vacca, who last week worked to forced Pompeii to cancel a planned rap talent show after learning it had no public assembly permit.
“I want to make this clear – Pompeii has not been a good neighbor, and our community will be vigilant at every turn when it comes to Pompeii’s violations and their thinking they can do what they want, when they want.”
Patrick Rocchio can be reach via e-mail at procchio@cnglocal.com or by phone at (718) 742-3393
