ICYMI: Sunset Park 'Disco Bodega' Was Illegal Nightclub, Authorities Say

SUNSET PARK, BROOKLYN — A corner grocery store that was a front for an underground nightclub had its liquor license yanked by state authorities after a man died of a suspected overdose.

Investigators say 4th Avenue Mini Market, between 41st and 42 streets, was not only a neighborhood grocery store — it also housed a "disco bodega" in its basement, the state liquor authority said.

A "known narcotics dealer" ran the club, according to the authority. The illegal venue featured dancing, drinking and drug use and, on On March 11, the NYPD was called to the scene and found a man dead of an overdose, according to investigators.

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The liquor authority hit the bodega with more than a dozen charges including improper conduct, failure to supervise, numerous additional sales to intoxicated patrons and operating an illegal nightclub.

"This illegal bar and drug den, masquerading as a corner market, has racked up a vast number of egregious violations of the law a mere six months after opening," Christopher R. Riano, counsel to the liquor authority, said in a press release.

"The Members of the SLA sent a clear message today that these illicit operations that threaten the health and safety of local residents will be closed down immediately."

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Editor's note: This story was originally published on Monday, April 17