The corner grocery at Orchard and Canal streets is the latest target on the Lower East Side of the NYPD’s crackdown on underage drinking.
The popular business owned by Lilly Fong was shut down following an undercover police operation. Last night, there were signs on the roll-down gate at 52 Canal St. indicating that the grocery had been “closed by court order” due to the “illegal sale of alcoholic beverages.”
These types of operations are very common, but this particular action is raising eyebrows in the immediate area; the business is a popular spot that’s gained some notoriety in recent years for its high-end magazine collection, as a place where you could fill a growler and, most of all, for its friendly service.
According to State Liquor Authority records, the grocery was fined $6500 last spring. Bodega owners frequently complain that they are not given the opportunity to correct problems before police arrive with court documents ordering closure.
Note: Thanks to Brendan Higgins for the tip on this story.
they card people. i go there pretty much once or twice a day. best of luck guys!