Rockville Centre police meet with bar owners before St. Pat’s celebration

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Rockville Centre restaurant and bar owners learned the dos and don’ts of serving alcohol to customers at a meeting held by the Rockville Centre Police Department at Village Hall on March 14.

Paul Pope Jr., a sergeant in the Rockville Centre Police Department, gave the presentation to an audience of local business owners just days before St. Patrick’s Day. Pope reminded them of regulations set by the New York State Liquor Authority, adding, “We want you guys to make the most money possible. We’re just trying to make sure that everyone follows the rules.”

Back in 2016, Stinger’s, a pub that formerly operated on Sunrise Highway for 29 years, closed down due to violations; and the Beach House on South Park Avenue closed under similar circumstances, Police Commissioner Charles Gennario told the Herald. Last month, Cannon’s Blackthorn, a landmark on North Village Avenue for 22 years, shut down after receiving a number of infractions.

Some rules discussed at the meeting included purchasing water, soda and beer from within the state, labeling taps with the correct brands, serving food until at least 2 a.m., ensuring security staff are licensed and prohibiting gambling. Pope also mentioned that sangria and Jell-O shots are not allowed — drinks must be mixed in front of customers — and while two-for-one specials, half-priced drinks, happy hour and beer buckets are allowed, “Ladies’ Night” and “all-you-can-drink” events are not.

In addition, bartenders are responsible and liable for checking identification. If a customer is suspect, Pope said, “Blame it on us. We don’t mind at all.” He added that police could legally inspect the businesses at any time.

Det. Nicholas DeLuca told the business owners that there would be undercover officers out on March 17, which was St. Patrick’s Day, on the lookout for underage kids with fake identifications.

“Your patrons are the ones that are blowing the whistle,” Gennario said at the meeting. “They’re the ones who are telling their parents, ‘We can get into certain bars underage.’”

Gennario told the Herald that “nothing unusual” happened on St. Patrick’s Day, but noted that the department would “beef up” its presence on March 24, when Rockville Centre’s annual St. Patrick’s Parade takes place.

“Before I took over as commissioner, it was a mess,” Gennario said of the parade, adding that the department enforces a “zero tolerance policy” and that the celebration has gotten less unruly over the past few years.

Police added at the meeting that the village officers are happy to escort unlawful customers, especially rowdy ones, out of the bars to avoid potentially violent conflicts.

“We’re here to help you,” Pope assured. “We’re not here to hurt you.”