'No Egregious Act': UWS Joint Responds To Losing Liquor License

UPPER WEST SIDE, NY — George Keeley operates on the Upper West Side of Manhattan with the simple slogan "Beer Is Good," but the restaurant and bar isn't nearly as laid back with New York's decision to suspend its liquor license.

George Keeley, at 485 Amsterdam Avenue, was among 19 businesses that had their liquor licenses suspended on Monday by the New York State Liquor Authority.

The Upper West Side restaurant's citation centered around a basket of popcorn not being a "substantial" enough amount of food for the 12 patrons dining at the restaurant on July 30.

Christopher Giudice, owner of George Keeley, told Patch the decision was "unreal."

"About the suspension. No warnings, no three strikes, no egregious act," Guidice said to Patch. "Open for nearly two decades without a blemish on our liquor license or any other license for that matter."

"We lose our license and shut down for not serving a 'substantial amount of food.' Unreal," Guidice added.

The New York State Liquor Authority did not immediately respond to Patch's request for comment about George Keeley's liquor suspension.

Under an order from Governor Andrew Cuomo, establishments participating in outdoor dining must offer customers "sit-down experience," complete with a "substantial amount of food," and not "Cuomo chips" or other typical bar snacks.

Businesses found in violation of the COVID-19 regulations face fines up to $10,000 per violation, while the more serious violations can result in immediate suspension of a bar or restaurant's liquor license.