By Leslie Albrecht
DNAinfo Reporter/Producer
UPPER WEST SIDE — An Upper West Side bar owner claims police are unfairly targeting his establishment.
Police said recently that they're working to shut down 420 Bar and Lounge on Amsterdam Avenue and West 80th Street because they've spotted drug activity, fights and underage drinking there.
But owner Eric Holzer says he thinks police are cracking down on his bar because of its "urban" vibe.
"We're the only urban club over there that plays hip-hop music, and as much as they may not admit to it, that's the reason why we get scrutinized more than the other clubs," Holzer said.
Police denied that the club is unfairly targeted, saying it's one of several neighborhood bars subject to enforcement.
The club hosts private parties where DJs play music, which neighbors have complained is often too loud. Holzer said he recently stopped hosting regular Tuesday and Sunday night parties in response to residents' complaints.
Holzer said he makes sure his security team keeps a close eye on the sidewalk outside the club, and he enforces a dress code — no hats, athletic jerseys, or hooded sweatshirts.
Men are frisked at the door, and women's purses are checked before they enter, Holzer said.
"We run a clean club," Holzer said. "We do the best we can. Is there an occasional fight? Of course, it's a bar."
420 Bar and Lounge was fined $5,000 in 2008 by the State Liquor Authority after a fight broke out.
Holzer said that the fine was justified, but he said recently police have been writing tickets he doesn't deserve.
He said he was slapped with a violation for a fight on the premises after a brief shoving match that was quickly broken up. He said cops ticketed him for not checking the IDs of smokers who stepped outside for a cigarette, then returned to the bar.
Police said they couldn't comment on specific violations issued against 420 Bar and Lounge.
"I want to be a good neighbor," Holzer said. "I don't want to have an adversarial relationship with the police or the community."
Reviewers on Yelp have given the bar mixed ratings.
Some complained of over-priced drinks, while one reviewer praised the bar for having a "club atmosphere without the club drama."
