Spring Valley, NY – Five bars and restaurants in Spring Valley were cited for alleged Alcoholic Beverage Control violations following a joint enforcement operation by the Spring Valley Police Department and the New York State Liquor Authority, with one establishment ordered to close for the remainder of the night after authorities reported finding numerous underage patrons consuming alcohol.
The enforcement operation was conducted Friday, Aug. 21, as local and state authorities inspected establishments in the village for compliance with New York’s alcoholic beverage laws. Spring Valley police announced the results on Tuesday, Aug. 25.
According to police, investigators inspected five establishments: El Ray Del Pollo at 80 East Route 59, Papusa Magica Restaurant & Bar at 96 East Route 59, El Rodeo Steakhouse at 180 East Route 59, El Pollo Grande Restaurant at 39 South Main Street, and Guadalajara Restaurant and Bar at 180 East Route 59. Authorities reported finding Alcoholic Beverage Control violations at all five locations.
Police did not publicly specify the violations allegedly found at four of the five businesses or announce whether those establishments had received fines, charges or other penalties as of Tuesday.
Authorities reported more serious concerns at Guadalajara Restaurant and Bar. Investigators said they found a large number of patrons under the age of 21 who had allegedly been served alcohol and were observed possessing alcoholic beverages. Police said investigators also identified several additional violations at the restaurant, although details about those alleged violations were not immediately released.
Following the inspection, authorities ordered Guadalajara to close for the remainder of the evening. The investigation has been referred to the New York State Liquor Authority for further action. The temporary closure that night does not by itself establish a final finding against the establishment, and authorities had not announced the outcome of the state investigation as of the initial police report.
The Spring Valley enforcement action comes amid increased scrutiny of underage alcohol sales elsewhere in Rockland County. Earlier in August, a separate joint operation involving the State Liquor Authority, New York State Department of Motor Vehicles and Orangetown Police Department resulted in enforcement action against Hudson West Sports Bar in Pearl River. State officials alleged that investigators observed bartenders selling alcohol directly to four minors and obtained statements from 13 additional minors who acknowledged consuming alcohol at the establishment. Some of the underage patrons were reportedly 16 and 17 years old.
State officials subsequently suspended Hudson West’s liquor license on an emergency basis. The State Liquor Authority said the suspension followed additional concerns after a 16-year-old girl was found unconscious and severely intoxicated in the early morning hours of Aug. 9 and was transported to Montefiore Nyack Hospital. The business is entitled to a hearing, and the emergency suspension does not represent a final determination on the allegations.
The Spring Valley investigation remains under the jurisdiction of the State Liquor Authority. Police have not announced final penalties against the five establishments inspected Aug. 21.
Spring Valley police are asking anyone with information related to the investigation to contact the department at 845-356-7400.