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SLA shuts down Cafe 51 following police raid Following more than three months of complaints about illegal activity at Cafe 51, a bar at 530 Broadway, Amityville, Amityville Village Police, assisted by the Suffolk County Police Department, conducted a major investigation that has led to the State Liquor Authority (SLA), shutting down the premises three weeks ago. Amityville Village Det. Bruce Pescitelli said that Kevin Blake, 33, who has the license to operate the facility, had been advised several times previously to clean up the premises or he would face a large-scale SLA check. Despite that, said the detective, the department continued to receive calls from residents about shots being fired, gang activity and apparent drug sales taking place outside of the bar. "As a result of these calls, we decided to move forward and conduct an investigation into the premises," said Pescitelli. On November 5, members of the two departments which included an emergency service, K-9, anti-crime sections and the probation department conducted an inspection of Cafe 51. Upon their arrival, the security men at the front door ran into the bar and announced to the crowd that the bar was being raided. Once all the officers were in the bar, the lights were turned on and music shut down. The bartender, identified as Marileida Torres, 25, of Copiague complied with the directions of the officers and investigators and Blake was located and showed an up-to-date liquor license as well as a food processing license. Police found a fully loaded 9mm hand gun on a shelf in the kitchen area. Twelve people were arrested for felony cocaine possession, criminal possession of marijuana, unlawful possession of marijuana, obstructing governmental administration and driving while intoxicated. In addition, Blake was charged with allowing two unlicensed subjects to work as security guards.
In a report to the SLA, Pescitelli said that he believed the recovery of the loaded handgun as well as the numerous drug arrests warranted the pulling of the liquor license on the establishment.
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