Nassau Bar Loses its Liquor License Because of Brawl After 50 Cent Concert

Bracco's on Freeport's Nautical Mile has had its liquor license suspended following a brawl that broke out earlier this month following a concert by 50 Cent.

The suspension was put into effect Tuesday at the bar, which is located at 319 Woodcleft Ave. It was ordered based on referrals from the Freeport Police Department documenting a large, tumultuous melee following an unauthorized concert at Bracco’s on Aug. 6. Prior to the event, the Freeport Police reached out to Bracco’s licensee, who confirmed the well-known rapper 50 Cent would only be promoting his brand of vodka and not performing. Upon arriving, 50 Cent performed for 45 minutes, drawing a crowd estimated at 500 patrons, dangerously crammed in the outdoor area of the restaurant with a maximum capacity of 200, while hundreds of additional people packed the sidewalk directly outside the bar.

The ensuing mayhem following the performance included the destruction of property at Bracco’s and neighboring businesses, fistfights in the streets, the arrest of three people and injury to two officers as patrons from the VIP area of Bracco’s hurled glass bottles and other debris at officers while bouncers from the bar idly watched. The disorder and large crowd shut down traffic on Woodcleft Avenue, and Freeport Police required the assistance of the Nassau County Police Department to quell the violence and disorder.

Freeport Police also reported an unauthorized concert and performance on July 16, where lewd and indecent behavior, nudity and irresponsible alcohol consumption was recorded on video. Since May 1, 2015, police have responded to 97 calls at Bracco’s leading to six arrests, in addition to 20 additional calls for loud and excessive noise.

“We’ve received hundreds complaints from residents, visitors and neighboring businesses regarding their frustration with unruly patrons, nudity and the unsafe conditions at Bracco’s restaurant,” said Freeport Mayor Robert T. Kennedy. “I want to thank the State Liquor Authority, following the recent and deplorable assault on Freeport officers, for taking swift action to address these conditions and assisting this administration in continuing to preserve the safety and quality of life for our officers, visitors and residents on the Nautical Mile."

On Aug. 15, the Liquor Authority charged Bracco’s with 21 violations, including assaults, disorderly premises, improper conduct for making misrepresentations to the police, permitting live performances in violation of their license and for becoming a focal point for police attention and a drain on village resources.

Bracco’s was previously fined $4,500 on July 14, 2016, $4,000 on June 20, 2016 and $2,500 on April 21, 2015 for violations including excessive noise, becoming disorderly, lack of supervision and failing to conform to its license application as a restaurant. In addition, Bracco’s was fined $2,500 in 2012 for selling after hours.

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