CB1 denies liquor license to topless bar

From Astoria Post:

The owners of a proposed topless bar called ‘Racks’ claim they can’t get a fair shake.

The owners, who aim to establish a bar featuring topless waitresses at 19-26 Steinway Street, went before Community Board 1 last night in their quest for a liquor license.

The owners, who were previously denied such a license by the State Liquor Authority last year, said that they plan to offer a venue that features a sports bar, lounge bar and night club—as well as topless servers.

Last year, Racks’ application received a chilly response from nearby residents, politicians and the Community Board 1. Last night, Community Board 1’s opinion had not changed.

“We recommend it be denied by the State Liquor Authority, for the detrimental impact this applicant, if licensed, would have on the quality of life of the community,” said Community Board 1 member Joseph Risi, who is in charge of liquor license applications for the board.

The majority of the board was opposed to Racks being granted a liquor license, with only five out of the 44 board members in attendance in favor of it.

Representatives of Racks, including lobbyist Adam Clayton Powell and attorney Mark Weinstein, emphasized that the business would be located in an industrial zone, away from the residential community.