Community Board 3 Member and bar owner David McWater, railed against the NYPD's specialized "cabaret" enforcement squads last week, calling them a "bunch of goons going around harassing people." Another CB3 member, Meghan Joye, also a bar owner, agreed, saying a visit from the cabaret unit, almost always resulting in steep fines, is like being "shaken down by the mob." Their comments came during a community board meeting, in which next year's NYC budget priorities were being discussed.

The community boards prepare lists, ranking (from 1 to 25) a wide range of projects and initiatives they would like to see funded in the next fiscal year. Number 6 on this year's proposed list: restoring the cabaret units, which were largely phased out last year. CB3's funding request said: "Bar owners have reported that continued relationships with experienced police allow them to work with (the Police Department) and report problems without fear of negative consequences.  This protects the businesses and promotes public safety." But McWater lobbied to push the request far down on the list, and he succeeded. In the final document voted on by the board, the item fell to #19.

Continue reading CB3 Member on NYPD Nightlife Squads: “A Bunch of Goons Harassing People”