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Read the press release here.

Community Against Liquor License Renewal for Notorious Tapas Lounge

By Carla Zanoni | November 3, 2011 5:46pm

WASHINGTON HEIGHTS — A lounge notoriously known for underage drinking and raucous party scene is fighting an uphill battle to have its liquor license renewed.

Serie 1 Tapas Lounge, located at 1985 Amsterdam Avenue, between West 158th and 159th streets, came before Community Board 12’s economic development committee on Tuesday asking for a two-year renewal.

Police and board members said they were wary of granting the owner the right to sell booze again. The committee voted to recommend that the board vote against the application during its general meeting later in November.

Neighbors say the lounge operates more like a nightclub, despite calling itself a tapas restaurant, with loud, late night parties spilling onto the sidewalk and violent altercations taking place inside and outside the space.

"This is not a neighborhood place, nobody wants it here," said neighbor Wanda Linares, 32.

According to State Liquor Authority records, the owners have received multiple disciplinary actions for underage drinking, dancing in the establishment without a cabaret license and “unreasonable noise” from inside the establishment.

Deputy Inspector Brian Mullen of the 33rd Precinct said police oppose the license renewal, as the establishment is known to be a nuisance in the neighborhood.

In addition to problems with the SLA and NYPD, Serie 1 was shut down by the Health Department on Sept. 21 for receiving 85 violation points during an inspection. Critical violations included improperly stored raw, cooked and prepared food, evidence of filth flies, inadequate refrigeration and no food protection certification.

The restaurant reopened one week later after receiving four violation points during a follow-up inspection. Those points were given for improper plumbing and food contact surfaces.

The restaurant owners did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Community Board 12’s full board will vote on the resolution during its general meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 22.

The State Liquor Authority will then vote on the application, as the community board serves an advisory role.