Senator Gianaris Joins State Liquor Authority in Call to Rescind ‘Aces’ Cabaret License

(Astoria, NY) – Senator Gianaris stood with community leaders to call on the New York State Supreme Court to heed the community’s demand to close the adult nightclub ‘Aces’ and affirm the State Liquor Authority’s decision to revoke the establishment’s cabaret license.

Upon the SLA agreeing with the community's request to revoke Aces’ cabaret license, a judge temporarily reinstated the license pending a hearing on April 5th. The NYPD’s 114^th Precinct, members of Queens Community Board 1, civic organizations and local residents have joined with Senator Gianaris’ appeal to close Aces’ doors.

Senator Michael Gianaris said, “Aces is notorious for its ongoing troubling activity and should be closed down. The community and State Liquor Authority are in agreement that Aces’ history of criminal incidents justify revoking the license of this bad actor. I encourage the Court to do the right thing and affirm the SLA’s decision.”

Residents deserve to live in a community where they feel safe, with a robust quality of life. It’s time we get rid of this bad adult establishment once and for all and apply our resources towards protecting our schools, small businesses and families.”

Police reports indicate a disproportionate number of disturbing incidents from this establishment including gang-related shootings, arrest and summonses. In May of 2016, a gang-related shooting took place outside of the club requiring police to regularly monitor the business. Additionally, 252 “911” calls were placed to report incidents and criminal activity related to Aces in 2016 alone.

Aces, located at 32-10 37^th Avenue in Long Island City failed to comply with its cabaret license in 2016. The gentlemen’s club also faced a temporary shutdown during that same year, relating to several licensing and paperwork issues.

Prior to the opening of Aces, ‘System’ operated as a club in the same location. Senator Gianaris prefers the location no longer be used to support establishments detrimental to the neighborhoods’ quality of life.

Attached is a written letter to the State Liquor Authority requesting the denial of the renewal of Aces’ cabaret license.

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