March 15, 2020 Your Neighborhood — Your News®
LOCAL
CL ASSIFIEDS
PA GE 19
‘NO MORE LAVOO’
Elected offi cials join residents to demand closure of Oakland Gardens cafe
BY BENJAMIN MANDILE
Community members and elected
officials in Oakland Gardens gathered
Friday outside of outside of Lavoo Cafe,
shouting “no more Lavoo,” demanding
the closure of the smoke lounge,
which has seen several incidents of violence,
including a brawl on Feb. 29.
“With a number of incidents at Lavoo
Cafe in recent months, most notably last
weekend, it is imperative we take a serious
look at whether or not this establishment
should have the right to operate in
Queens with a liquor license,” said Assemblyman
David Weprin.
QNS reported that the establishment
has been the scene of numerous shootings
and slashings over the last three
months.
Most recently, officers from the 111th
Precinct were called to Lavoo after 2
a.m., on Feb. 29, following reports of “a
large group fighting” and shots fired.
Employees at the establishment said
that a fight had broken out inside but security
had pushed the men out onto the
street, police said.
Two men ages 25 and 26 suffered
gunshot wounds to the thigh and groin,
respectively. They were transported to
Long Island Jewish Hospital and North
Shore Hospital. Police also reported
that three men, ages 27, 34 and 46, were
slashed in their faces and were transported
to Jamaica Hospital. All of the
victims remain in stable condition.
Police said that several males struck
a sixth man, 29, in the face, resulting in
bruises to his nose, eyes and forehead.
There have been no arrests made at this
time and the investigation is ongoing.
Weprin said elected officials and
community leaders are united against
Lavoo and that the community would do
everything they can within their power
to shut down the cafe.
Eileen Miller, chair of Community
Community members and elected officials gathered in Oakland Gardens to demand the closure of Lavoo Cafe. Photos by Dean Moses
Board 11, said that the board will work
closely with the NY Liquor Authority to
have Lavoo Cafe’s license removed and
the establishment shuttered.
The establishment at 224-13 Union
Tpke. in Oakland Gardens is being reviewed
by the Community Board 11
Public Safety Committee this month
who will examine the terms of its liquor
license, according to Joseph Marziliano,
district manager of Community
Board 11.
Community members and the elected
officials do not believe that the
lounge coincides with their community
values.
“We need a business that will be symbiotic
with the neighborhood and not put
children and families in harm’s way,”
said state Senator John Liu. “Lavoo
needs to go.”
Residents have started a Change.
org petition that has garnered more
than 1,300 signers as of Wednesday
afternoon, March 11.
Additional reporting by
Jenna Bagcal.
Vol. 89 No. 11 UPDATED EVERY DAY AT QNS.COM
/QNS.COM
