It appears the saga of the East Village restaurant, Le Souk, and the attempt to reinstate their liquor license has come to an end. Their license was stripped by the State Liquor Authority (SLA) earlier this year and then reinstated, briefly by an appellate court. The famously excessive “den of iniquity” and East Village mainstay has caused quite a bit of contention within in the community – incessant noise complaints from neighbors, as well as numerous overcrowding citations were the reasons given for shutting it down last year. We covered the mayhem over Le Souk at the recent Community Board 3 SLA committee meeting a few days ago.
Today, the State Liquor Authority announced the New York State Court of Appeals has upheld the SLA’s cancellation of Le Souk’s license. “The Court of Appeals correctly found that the SLA must have the authority to act when bars break local laws,” said Chairman Dennis Rosen. “Bars that allow overcrowding or fail in their basic duty to adequately supervise their premises are often just setting the stage for more serious violations to occur. The Court’s decision yesterday was essential for the SLA’s continuing efforts to ensure public safety at licensed establishments.”
What’s to be done for those in search of a new “debaucherous hookah den”? No need to fret, you can always head west to Le Souk Harem (510 La Guardia Pl, btwn Bleecker and Houston), which opened last month.
Hallelujah!
Congratulations. Finally, the community gets a reprieve from rowdy establishments that make other good establishments look bad. Thanks to Susan Stetzer for her courage and convictions and CB3 and for the local residents who had to endure such nightmare for years. Now, we can all rest at night.