Casa Rica Slapped With Emergency Alcohol License Suspension

Two weeks after a man was at , the restaurant on E Main Street had its alcohol license summarily suspended by the New York State Liquor Authority. Summary suspensions, according to the SLA, are expedited emergency suspensions taken when public health or safety is deemed to be in jeopardy.

"They've had 11 documented fights since they opened in April 2009," said Bill Crowley, director of public and legislative affairs with the SLA. "Police have received 131 calls for violations around the area since they opened. Certainly we can't tie every one of those back to the bar, but nonethelss Casa Rica has been taxing the resources of the Riverhead Police Department."

In recent months, Riverhead Police have been conducting special assignments at Casa Rica on weekend nights and early mornings. The assignments have resulted in dozens of public urination and open container violations, but Chief David Hegermiller said following last month's stabbing that his department's hands have been tied.

"I would like to go up there and post a sign saying they can't serve alcohol in there, but I can't," he said. "I can't set up a detail inside the bar. But we're doing what we can."

The summary suspension, made by the SLA Board of Commissioners, puts a halt on alcohol sales at Casa Rica effective immediately. The license holder has until Nov. 24 to request a hearing on the judgment, at which point the three-person Board of Commissioners would rule on what to do next.

"They could administer a penalty such as a fine, or they could terminate their license," Crowley said.

Riverhead police said on Friday morning that the suspension was served at 9:20 p.m. on Thursday night by Riverhead police and SLA authorities.

Last month's stabbing was the most recent in a list of incidents that have occurred at 65 E Main Street. In the summer of 2009 a man was attacked with a machete, resulting in a first degree assault charge. Another incident in May of this year resulted in a second degree assault.

The May 16 attack is one of two incidents still under review by the SLA for alcohol license violations. According to Crowley, having a disorderly premises is considered a violation. In addition, three unlicensed bouncers were reported to be working at Casa Rica on May 28