S.L.A. refuses to settle score with Scores

Volume One, Issue 25, March 9 - 15, 2007

By Albert Amateau

The State Liquor Authority on Wednesday gave a resounding “no” to a proposed settlement of its Feb. 21 order summarily revoking the liquor license of Scores, the West Chelsea adult entertainment club where six employees are facing prostitution charges.

Scores, 536 W. 28th St., is still selling booze to its customers because it secured a temporary order against the license suspension pending the outcome of administrative hearings.

Scores has been trying to settle the issue and proposed paying a $25,000 penalty to keep its license, but the five members of the S.L.A. voted on March 7 to reject the offer. The agency told Scores that the club should accept a revocation of its license and a two-year proscription on the premises—meaning that neither Scores nor anyone else who occupies the location could be licensed to sell alcohol for two years. The S.L.A. also calls for collecting the $1,000 bond posted by the club and imposing a $25,000 civil penalty.

In a public statement announcing the decision on March 7, the authority said, “The rejection of this [Scores] offer sends a clear message that illegal activities will not be tolerated in licensed establishments.” A spokesman for the agency said an administrative hearing would be scheduled soon.

A Scores spokesperson was miffed about the S.L.A. statement. “It’s unusual for the S.L.A. to make a statement about settlement talks and release it to the public,” said Lonny Hanover, Scores spokesperson. “Of course we reject their offer, and we expect to be vindicated. We will not accept a voluntary suspension, and we’ll defend our license at hearings and in the courts if necessary,” he said

The agency summarily suspended the liquor license on Feb. 21, citing a police raid on the club on Jan. 25 that resulted in prostitution charges against four Scores strippers and promoting prostitution charges against two male managers of the club.

The six employees pleaded not guilty and are free pending a March 20 criminal court appearance.