Huntington Station, NY - October 21, 2016 - Following a spat of violent crime and a continued attack on the Huntington Station community, Councilman Mark Cuthbertson today reiterated his demand that the New York State Liquor Authority revoke the liquor license of a longstanding troubled bar located in the heart of the business district.
“The Melissa Tavern is a blight on the Huntington Station community and I am once again asking the Liquor Authority to intervene and assist the Town in stemming violence directly attributed to this establishment,” Councilman Cuthbertson said. “Residents and nearby businesses have had enough and it’s time operations cease at Melissa.”
The Councilman first requested the Liquor Authority revoke the tavern’s license following a string of violent crime ranging from menacing to homicide. Less than one month ago, Suffolk Police were once again summoned to the tavern following a stabbing. In March, a shooting occurred in the parking lot behind Melissa.
The tavern, located at 1419 New York Avenue, has been cited for 127 separate incidents [filed with the Suffolk County Police Department] that span a five-year period. The Melissa Restaurant/Tavern is managed by the El Paraiso Elvira Corp.
“I am once again calling upon on the Liquor Authority to halt the cycle of violence at this location and deny El Paraiso Elvira Corp’s application for a liquor license,” wrote Councilman Mark Cuthbertson in his October 11, 2016 letter addressed to Chairman Vincent G. Bradley of the Liquor Authority. Councilman Cuthbertson also noted that this corporate entity is newly formed, but the ownership of the building remains the same. “The Change is form over substance and the gravity of these incidents cannot be underestimated or ignored,” added Cuthbertson.