Huntington Station Bartender Arrested After Gambling Records Found During Inspection: Police

HUNTINGTON STATION, NY — A bartender was arrested late Friday night during a New York State Liquor Authority inspection at a Huntington Station bar, Suffolk County police said.

Police said Second Precinct Crime Section officers, working alongside the New York State Liquor Authority, the Town of Huntington Fire Marshal, and a town ordinance inspector, conducted an inspection at Checkers Café & Pub, located at 2357 New York Ave., at about 11:30 p.m. after receiving a community complaint.

During the inspection, officers observed gambling pools and related records inside the establishment, police said.

The bartender, Tia Speller, 41, of Copiague, was arrested and charged with disorderly premises, an unclassified misdemeanor under New York State Alcoholic Beverage Control Law, police said. She was issued a field appearance ticket and is scheduled to appear in First District Court on Jan. 8.

Police said the Town of Huntington Fire Marshal and town code ordinance inspector also issued a combined four fire and building code violations to the establishment. The State Liquor Authority observed multiple violations and will conduct a further investigation, police said.

Earlier that same night, police said a separate inspection was conducted at Colony Lounge, located at 338 Depot Road, at about 10:30 p.m., also following a community complaint.

During that inspection, the State Liquor Authority and the Fire Marshal observed several violations, police said. Both agencies will continue their investigations into the establishment.