By Suzanne Ma
DNAinfo Reporter/Producer
EAST VILLAGE — Hot spot Le Souk — notorious for large crowds, loud music and belly dancers — appears to be closed.
The State Liquor Authority confiscated the bar's liquor license last week, and a sign has been posted on Le Souk's window telling patrons that all reservations will be honored at Le Souk Harem in Greenwich Village.
Le Souk owner Sam Jacob did not respond to calls for comment.
The apparent closure is a big relief for area resident Frank Macken, who has led a decade-long battle against the noise and congestion.
"We are glad they are closed for good," he said.
The Avenue B bar and restaurant was closed for much of this year after the State Liquor Authority revoked its license following citations of overcrowding. But Jacob fought the charge in appellate court and, in May, the decision was overturned.
According to court documents, the investigation into overcrowding was "not based upon substantial evidence because it relied on a 'guesstimate' in determining that Le Souk was overcrowded on the night of Jan. 13, 2007."
Le Souk reopened in August.
On Oct. 19, five East Village residents urged Community Board 3 not to support Le Souk's liquor license renewal, describing sleepless nights with "honking cars," "obnoxious traffic" and "drunk, animal behavior" from Le Souk patrons.
That night, the liquor license committee voted not to support the renewal, saying Jacob hadn't done enough to deal with neighborhood opposition.
Four days later, the State Liquor Authority announced that the New York State Court of Appeals had upheld its cancellation of Le Souk's license.
