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State Liquor Authority Delays Papasito Decision Until December

By DNAinfo Staff on September 28, 2012 7:14pm

INWOOD — The State Liquor Authority has delayed its decision on the fate of a controversial restaurant's liquor license once again after previously saying in August that it would make a final decision Friday.

Instead, the Authority will continue to observe Papsito Mexican Grill And Agave Bar and issue a decision at a special hearing on Dec. 5. 

Area residents, community leaders, and Assemblyman Herman D. Farrell Jr have long opposed license renewal. Community Board 12 voted to recommend against the renewal in July.

But SLA Chairman Dennis Rosen was moved by the restaurant's apparent improvements. 

Noise levels were better, but he said the SLA would yank Papasito's papers if dancing persisted.

"Accidental dancing," Rosen said, is not problematic. 

However, the venue-sanctioned dancing Rosen said takes place at Papasito — evidenced by furniture being moved to create a dance floor — violates its liquor certificate, as the establishment does not have a cabaret license.

Fernando Mateo, a Papasito co-owner, countered that signs have been installed indicating that dancing is not permitted.

"Those who violate the rule," he said, "They're asked to leave." 

But according to Rosen, SLA said inspectors repeatedly witnessed dancing at the establishment Mateo's claims.

"If the dancing continues in the fashion that it is happening now," he said, "You will be out of business." 

Mateo apologized and promised to shape up. 

Papasito's Dyckman Street location is not alone. The Upper West Side outpost has also come under fire for rumored incidences of noise, underage drinking, and drunken fights, prompting Borough President Scott Stringer pledging to shut the post down in July.