It was a busy night for the NYPD on the Lower East Side. As we already reported, the 7th Precinct delivered a restraining order to Lolita, the bar at 266 Broome Street. The business now faces a civil lawsuit for alleged underage drinking violations. Cops were also on the scene at PKNY, the artisanal tiki bar at 49 Essex Street.
We’re told PKNY was not forced to shut down, but its owners do have an upcoming court date to answer the city’s charges. The violations occurred during visits by undercover auxiliary police officers. City attorneys will likely ask the owners to beef up security and screening for underage drinkers in exchange for dropping the suit.
The bar opened as “Painkiller,” three years ago and later changed its name to PKNY due to a lawsuit. The liquor license is listed on the State Liquor Authority’s web site under the names Richard Boccato and Sasha Petraske (the info may be outdated; Petraske reportedly sold his interest at 49 Essex long ago). We contacted Boccato this morning for comment. No word yet.
