New York State has revoked the license of a New York City restaurant liquor after hosting an indoor party with a maskless conga line, according to NBC News
The Whitestone Republican club held an indoor party at Queen’s Restaurant, New York, called Il Bacco.
Images of the party went viral after showing maskless attendees putting on a conga line. Vickie Paladino, the Republican Party candidate for the New York City Council, is seen at one point conducting the dance.
At least three people who attended the party have tested positive for the virus since the party.
In a statement, the State Liquor Authority said: “After the video of a potential festive party in Il Bacco with maskless dancing appeared, the LAV immediately began an investigation.”
The liquor authority added: “During a follow-up inspection, investigators found flagrant violations of indoor dining regulations and existing laws on health safety and control of alcoholic beverages, while verifying the party without a mask. shown in the video occurred “.
According to NBC, calls to Il Bacco are directed to an answering machine indicating that the restaurant will remain closed until the indoor dining room is allowed again.
Reports indicate that at least 50 people attended the party, violating New York rules that limit meetings to just ten people.
Jim Trent, president of the Queens Village Republican Club, tested positive for coronavirus. Local media reported that two other attendees, a husband and a wife, also tested positive.
Trent told the Queens Daily Eagle, “It was a wonderful time and a great party, but I’m not glad I got sick.”
The Whitestone Republican club defended the match after the images were released.
“Defending our personal freedoms is paramount in a free society and no one should be penalized, embarrassed or ostracized for how they decide to live their life,” the club said in a statement.