Contact: Colleen Roche or Jack Deacy 212 788 2958
New York City's Nightclub Enforcement Task Force swept 14 nightclubs and social clubs last weekend (April 14 & 15) in several neighborhoods in Brooklyn. Led by Deputy Mayor Rudy Washington, task force members from seven agencies made 13 arrests, ranging from a felony gun possession to misdemeanors, issued 55 summonses and closed two nightclubs. This initiative is a continuation of Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani's strategy to improve the quality of life in New York City neighborhoods.
"The tragic shootings at a Queens nightclub last weekend demonstrate the importance of this initiative," said Deputy Mayor Washington. "Our sweep in South Brooklyn last weekend resulted in a felony arrest for illegal gun possession and the arrest of another individual who has an outstanding arrest warrant in New Jersey. Nightclubs that operate illegally or create dangerous conditions for patrons and neighborhood residents should be on notice that the City will continue to take action against them. Clubs that operate within the law, and are good neighbors within their communities, have nothing to worry about."
The sweeps that took place in the early morning hours on Saturday and Sunday were concentrated in the 67th, 70th and 72nd police precincts in the Brooklyn South command and included communities like Park Slope, Sunset Park, East Flatbush and Flatbush.
The Brooklyn clubs that were closed by the Task Force were La Cabana Rodriguez at 1062 Flatbush Avenue and the Mambo Lounge at 613A Fifth Avenue. Gambling devices were seized at La Cabana Rodriguez and the Salt & Pepper Club at 900 Utica Avenue. The felony gun arrest was made at the Three Bells Club at 250 East 39th Street.
The Nightclub Enforcement Task Force, which was created last year in response to an increasing number of community complaints about the operation of nightclubs and social clubs, is made up of personnel from the Police Department, the Fire Department, the State Liquor Authority, the Department of Health, the Sheriff's Department, the Buildings Department, and the Department of Consumer Affairs.
During 1996, the Task Force targeted 39 nightclubs and social clubs in Queens. The enforcement sweeps that occurred in the Queens North and Queens South police commands last year resulted in the closure of 13 clubs, 39 arrests, the seizure of three handguns, 14 gambling devices and the issuance of 127 summonses for various violations.