By JUDY RATTNER
The club's license expired on Feb. 28.
The letter said the decision was based on Rapture's violation of the village code under which such licenses are granted. It also referred to reportedly unlawful business conduct and activities at the club that breach the peace and constitute a menace to public health and safety. Rumman has 15 days to appeal the village's decision by filing a written request with Acting Village Administrator Michael Schussheim.
If Rumman chooses to appeal, the village Board of Trustees would appoint a hearing officer who would schedule a hearing, and then make a recommendation to the board regarding Rapture's permit. The trustees would then vote on whether to sustain or reverse the denial. If the appeal were to be denied, Rumman could appeal to the New York State Supreme Court. He could request a stay to keep the club's license in effect, and stay open while the case is pending.
Rapture, at 222 Sunrise Highway, and Rumman, 27, of Foster Lane in Westbury, have in recent weeks and months received a number of citations for violations of the state's liquor laws and other statutes. Last weekend a bartender at the club, Jesse Goodman, was ticketed for serving alcohol to a minor, an 18-year-old whom police apprehended as he was leaving the club.
On March 3, Rumman was cited for maintaining a disorderly premise. Rockville Centre police issued the ticket after responding to and breaking up a fight involving Rapture patrons. On Feb. 23, police were on the scene after four gunshots shattered windows and blew holes in the side of a car parked in the lot behind the club, but no arrests were made.
Rumman was issued citations for a disorderly premise and selling alcohol to a minor on Jan. 1 during a New Year's celebration. In that incident, a fight broke out in the club and a neighboring storefront window was shattered. Officers on the scene estimated that there were more than 450 people inside the club, which has a maximum occupancy of 298. In November Rumman was issued nine tickets by the village police department: six for selling contaminated beverages, two for selling alcohol to a minor and one for a building code violation.
When Rumman appeared in Village Court on Feb. 8, several of the 2006 charges were thrown out. He received fines for others. The charges of selling alcohol to a minor and having a disorderly premise on Jan. 1 are still pending. Rumman was due back in Village Court at 6 p.m. on Thursday to respond to those and the more recent violations.
Rumman declined to comment, and a spokesman for the village said it, too, would not comment.
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