Authorities Bust 120-Person Midtown Drinking Party

MIDTOWN MANHATTAN, NY — City authorities busted an illegal party in the Garment District early Sunday that had more than 120 people in attendance, according to the New York City Sheriff's office.

At 2:15 a.m. Sunday, sheriff's deputies shut down the illegal bottle club on the third floor of 260 West 36th St., between Seventh and Eighth avenues.

All of the attendees were in violation of the state's emergency order capping private gatherings to 10 people, which has been in place since Nov. 11, the sheriff said.

Guests were seen drinking alcohol, smoking hookah and dancing at the party, whose organizers held no liquor license, according to NBC New York and authorities.

Five people — two security guards, a bartender, a DJ and a party organizer — are facing violations carrying $15,000 penalties, NBC reported.

11/22/20 @ 0215HRS: Deputy Sheriffs shut down illegal bottle club @ 260 West 36th Street, 3rd Floor, NY: 120+ people, violation of emergency orders, no liquor license, warehousing liquor, 5 organizers charged with multiple misdemeanors, Admin Code, Health Code & ABC Law offenses. pic.twitter.com/7ZtWDgrvjw
— NYC SHERIFF (@NYCSHERIFF) November 22, 2020

This shutdown wasn't the most sensational of the weekend — hours earlier, on Saturday, authorities busted a crowded sex party in Astoria, where at least 80 people were gathered.