FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT www.queenscourier.com JANUARY 24, 2013 • THE QUEENS COURIER 11 TOPPED OFF ASTORIA BIKINI BAR’S LIQUOR LICENSE IN QUESTION BY ALEXA ALTMAN its liquor license with the SLA in aaltman@queenscourier.com September of 2012 under the name The top has come off for one Astoria Wild Rose. According to Simotas, insti- bikini bar. tutions are required to disclose name Queen of Hearts’ thinly veiled attempt changes and alterations to the style to renew its liquor license, without alert- of venue upon reapplication, both of ing the State Liquor Authority (SLA) which the owner of the establishment, that it’s gone nearly naked, has local Steve Hatzilazaridis, failed to do. While THE COURIER/PHOTO BY ALEXA ALTMAN leaders drafting legislation to expose forms have a category indicating “top- Assemblymember Aravella Simotas, Senator Michael Gianaris and other Astoria com- them and similar shady businesses. less entertainment,” there is no selec- munity leaders assembled outside Queen of Hearts to introduce the Community Full Initiated by Assemblymember tion that specifi es whether a business Disclosure Act. Aravella Simotas, the Community Full plans to feature scantily-clad perform- Disclosure Act calls the SLA to improve ers. To the assemblymember, two-inch- tion of the local community board more would oppose the installation of an its application process for obtaining and es of fabric do not make a difference. seriously. “adult establishment with any kind of renewing liquor licenses by demanding “We shouldn’t be required to inves- “It would be very benefi cial to all erotic behavior.” businesses remain transparent regarding tigate every business that applies for a communities if the board and our rec- Several months ago, a similar skin- the exact activities inside the establish- liquor license,” said Simotas. “The State ommendation had a little more punch centric business, Racks, at 19-26 ment – particularly adult entertainment. Liquor Authority should be obtaining and had more of an impact,” said Steinway Street, submitted an applica- The motion came after Queen of this information, basic information, Hartmann. tion for a liquor license. Simotas said Hearts, at 26-12 Hoyt Avenue South, whether or not they intend to have adult According to the bar’s lawyer, Peter she was perplexed as to why controver- failed to disclose its status as a bikini bar, entertainment in their establishment.” Stern, Hatzilazaridis failed to disclose sial establishments continued to pop up masquerading as an ordinary lounge. Liquor licenses are reviewed by to him that they would be adding adult in a residential neighborhood. “These businesses receive their license the local community board, which entertainment. “The only rationale is the Community to sell alcohol by claiming that they gives a recommendation to the SLA. “I didn’t know that they were refi ling Board isn’t getting the information it operate as bars and lounges, but behind Community Board 1 District Manager as a go-go bar. I didn’t know what they needs to properly scrutinize each appli- closed doors they have their employees Lucille Hartmann said she believes were doing in there,” said Stern. cation,” said Simotas. “The Community strip down to their underwear and offer the application should not only ask The attorney, who fi led the request to Board should not have to go investigate. lap or pole dances to their patrons for more in-depth questions concerning the renew but not the original application They shouldn’t have to go knock down money,” said Simotas. establishment’s intentions but the SLA in July of 2010, said he understood why the door and fi nd the owner. That infor- Queen of Hearts fi led to renew should also consider the recommenda- residents in a neighborhood like Astoria mation should be right up front.” Checking that earns like savings. 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