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Uptown Bar Apt. 78 Shut Down by Police, Owner Says

 A packed audience enjoys DJ ?UESTLOVE perform at APT 78 in Washington Heights on July 11th, 2012.
A packed audience enjoys DJ ?UESTLOVE perform at APT 78 in Washington Heights on July 11th, 2012.
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DNAinfo/PaulLomax

WASHINGTON HEIGHTS — Police temporarily shut down a Broadway bar last week that recently had its license renewed in spite of objections from the local NYPD precinct.

Jose Morales, owner of Apt. 78, posted a picture to the business’ Instagram and Twitter accounts of a "Closed by N.Y.C. Police Department" sign that was placed on the venue’s front door.

"Sad to announce apt 78 will be closed for the next 10 days. Our local agency decided that we are a hazard to our community," he wrote in the Instagram post, adding, "[h]opefully see you guys again real soon."

Police did not respond to questions about why the venue had been closed, and Morales was not immediately reachable for comment. The events set to take place there over the weekend had to be moved to other venues.

Apt. 78 has had run-ins with the NYPD in the past.

In October 2014, Morales came before Community Board 12’s licensing committee to renew his on-premise liquor license.

At the time, a representative from the 34th Precinct said police had concerns about the application because the venue had three violations for serving minors, as well as summonses for a disorderly premise and overcrowding.

Morales acknowledged the prior incidents, but said he had made all of the changes required by the State Liquor Authority, including retraining his staff and purchasing an ID scanner.

The committee voted against the application, but the full board reversed the decision later that month due to an outpouring of support from residents who said Apt. 78 had been a major supporter of the local arts community.

The SLA ultimately approved the renewal in December 2014.

Morales' Instagram post about the temporary closure had received nearly 300 comments from patrons and supporters as of Monday.

“Don't let them get to you,” one wrote. “They aren't the community, everyone that goes to support is.”

The news was also shared in a community Facebook group, where it received more mixed reactions.

“Who else has featured talented local Jazz artists who may not have been discovered otherwise? Who else has specifically highlighted and showcased women DJs,” Abbie Akande wrote. “I hope this closing doesn’t end up being permanent. If so it will be a huge loss for the community.”

Others pointed out that it was difficult to make a judgment without more information.  

“I do not know the details but it does take gathering of evidence to close a place for 10 days,” Nancy Preston pointed out. “I have heard complaints and have heard accolades but have no direct experience with this venue.”