BUFFALO, N.Y. — A North Buffalo business shut down over the weekend for allegedly operating as a speakeasy is no longer under a "cease all operations" order previously issued by Buffalo Police.
"They are certainly aware that if there are any other violations we will come at them again and look at possibly pulling even their regular business permit," said Police Commissioner Joseph Gramaglia, regarding "Occasions," a party planning business operating out of a storefront at 1783 Hertel Ave. near Starin Ave.
According to police, a large crowd had gathered outside the business at approximately 2:30 Saturday morning and when police went to investigate the owners were initially uncooperative in letting police inside.
Regarding the number of speakeasies operating Buffalo, Gramaglia said it's hard to tell because they operate clandestinely.
"There's some we just don't know about," he said.
As for Occasions, Gramaglia said there were reports of a private party where drinks were being served.
"This is supposed to be a business, not a place to serve booze. It's not like your house where you can serve drinks to guests," he said.
Police later accused the owner of operating without a license, employing an unregistered bouncer, and allowing patrons to possess and consume alcohol among other ordinance violations.
"We really do try and do a lot of work to try and keep ahead of these things (speakeasies) and try to identify them...unfortunately some we're going to find out about when something bad happens."
Three months ago two men were shot following a fight at a speakeasy on East Lovejoy.
"These places do a pretty good job of concealing themselves," said Gramaglia. So we look for cars where they are not supposed to be, and we look for people coming in and out of a place that we know does not have a permit to be open as an establishment and then we'll work on going after the place."
There was no one at Occasions when 2 on Your Side visited on Tuesday afternoon to get their side of the story.
The front entrance was locked and the interior appeared vacant. The sign slapped up by the city announcing it was to cease all operation was no longer there, however a faded sign directing patrons to the stores Covid-19 protocols remained.
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