Notorious Patchogue Bar Investigated By State Liquor Authority

PATCHOGUE, NY — This week's controversy over Patchogue dive bar The Cliffton's social media posts about their shooting death gambling ring has attracted the attention of state authorities. On Tuesday, Richard Azzopardi, Senior Advisor to the Governor, issued a statement about the illegal gambling allegations and possible liquor license violations.

"These reports are repugnant and those responsible for this gambling pool should be ashamed," he said in a news release.

The betting pool had patrons bet on the number of gun shootings that would take place in New York City versus Chicago over Labor Day Weekend. "Let the shooting sprees begin," read part of an Instagram post caption uploaded by the bar.

The State Liquor Authority (SLA) says that the bar refused entry to investigators from the SLA last week, which is a violation of liquor license laws.

The SLA said in a statement: “This alleged gambling pool is not only sickening, but also appears illegal under the Alcoholic Beverage Control law. Unrelated to the allegations of illegal gambling, this establishment refused to allow investigators with the state's multi-agency task force to inspect the premises earlier this week —a blatant violation of the law, which alone constitutes grounds for their liquor license to be revoked. This establishment will be charged for the violation we have already observed and can expect to hear from us again.”

State alcohol laws maintain that all licensed establishments must allow inspection during business hours. Gambling is also illegal in any business holding a liquor license.

And it's not only state governments who've issued censures toward the notoriously-controversial bar—the Patchogue Chamber of Commerce issued a statement that hints toward future action of their own:

"I am recommending to our Board of Directors he should be removed as a member," David Kennedy, President of the Greater Chamber of Patchogue, told Patch. He said he expects the board to formally vote to revoke The Cliffton's membership.

"He has been sent a notice to cease and desist from his repulsive and appalling betting pool immediately. His behavior is reprehensible."

The Cliffton last came under fire last year for a social media post poking fun at the transgender community.