Elected Officials Applaud Sla Denial for Knockdown Center Cabaret License

Queens, NY (May 6, 2014) – At a full board hearing this morning of the State Liquor Authority (SLA), the Knockdown Center and applicant DMI Inc. were denied their full liquor license to serve over 600 patrons.

"First and foremost I would like to thank the State Liquor Authority for listening to the concerns my constituents' and I had regarding the Knockdown Center and applaud them for supporting this community,” said State Senator Joseph Addabbo, Jr. "This is a vital step in preserving residents' quality of life and maintaining the needed level of neighborhood safety. I will continue to fight to keep our homes and streets a safe haven when it comes to the Knockdown Center as well as any other establishment threatening our way of life. I look forward to an open dialogue regarding the future of this site."

After Knockdown Center officials expressed interest in serving alcohol at their establishment to a large amount of patrons, the surrounding community came together to oppose what could potentially have been a dangerous situation.

At the hearing, the SLA board reviewed the Knockdown Center’s request, necessary documents and testimony. Ultimately, it was denied the cabaret license due to the lack of public transportation surrounding the site and continued community opposition.

"I am glad the SLA listened to our community and denied this application. The residents of Ridgewood and Maspeth deserve to have their questions answered and their concerns addressed before the Knockdown Center is ever granted a liquor license, and I thank the SLA for preserving the community's quality of life with this decision," said State Senator Michael Gianaris.

Assemblywoman Catherine Nolan additionally called this decision a “great victory for our community and for many groups including Queens Community Board 5, the 104^th Police Precinct and the many Maspeth Residents who expressed serious concerns about this establishment.”

“I am pleased by the State Liquor Authority’s decision to deny the Knockdown Center its liquor license” she said. 

The Knockdown Center is billed as an arts and exhibition gallery and event space in Maspeth.