Last night, Community Board 3 rejected a controversial proposal for a full liquor license at 106 Rivington Street, a location destined to be a large Latin-themed restaurant. In a 16-17 vote (there were two abstentions which counted as “no” votes), the board decided to recommend to the State Liquor Authority that the application be disapproved. In a followup vote, CB3 approved a beer and wine license and reduced operating hours (midnight closing time) for the multi-level restaurant across from the Hotel on Rivington.
Both supporters and opponents came out in force to testify last night. Foes of the proposal said Rivington Street has become intolerable on weekend evenings due to an overabundance of nightlife establishments — and the new restaurant would only add to the chaotic scene. Backers argued that the owners, longtime local residents and business owners, had earned the trust of the neighborhood and deserved a chance to prove they could run a responsible venue.
Earlier, this month, in another close vote, CB33’s liquor licensing committee voted to approve the full bar application, after the owners agreed to reduced hours and made other concessions. The decision is now up to the State Liquor Authority.
More to come…
