'Harassed and targeted': New York officials strip liquor license from restaurant after hosting 9/11 charity event

A tavern on Staten Island lost its liquor license after hosting a 9/11 charity event.

Joyce’s Tavern lost its liquor license this weekend after State Liquor Authority Inspector Matthew Davis visited the establishment during its “Dine Out to Remember” fundraiser for the Tunnels to Towers group, SILive reported.

Davis found no issues with the tavern hosting diners outside, however, he found about 10 people inside the restaurant who were drinking or eating. One of whom was a pregnant woman.

In-door dining is not allowed in New York City under Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s executive order until Sept. 30.

“Just want to say thank you to every one for the thoughts, comments, support and, as always, the community has our back as we always have theirs,” co-owner Joe O’Toole told SILive.

Joyce’s Tavern is part of a lawsuit against both the city and state to reopen restaurants, which earned media attention earlier this month. Attorneys Lou Gelormino and Mark Fonte represent Joyce’s Tavern and said they “were concerned that Joyce’s might be targeted” because of the lawsuit.

"The O'Toole family operates their restaurant in a socially responsible manner and has followed every one of governor’s executive orders. We intend to vigorously defend their restaurant and, more importantly, their reputation. We will be speaking to the SLA this week and hope to resolve this matter quickly,” the attorneys said.

The suspended liquor license sparked outrage with some on Twitter who believe the tavern was targeted by local officials.

“I don’t think it’s any coincidence that Joyce’s is being targeted within days of them leading a lawsuit to reopen indoor dining and if this is, indeed retaliation, the mayor and governor should be ashamed,” Republican congressional candidate Nicole Malliotakis tweeted. “It’s like we are living in times of Prohibition. Even when our restaurants are being good neighbors and helping raise money for a 9/11 charity, they are being harassed and targeted by city and state agencies.”

Others echoed Malliotakis’s sentiment.