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Applicant at 90 West Houston agrees to 2 a.m. closing after community cites police complaints at related venues
Summary
EWS 90 West Inc.'s request for late-night hours drew sharp community concern about 311 complaints and assaults associated with the operator's other locations. After extended discussion, the applicant agreed to restrict hours to 2 a.m. daily rather than seeking 4 a.m. on weekends.
Neighbors and committee members pressed EWS 90 West Inc., the applicant for a tavern at 90 West Houston Street, about public-safety records tied to other businesses with the same operators. The discussion focused on 911/311 complaints, summonses and reported assaults tied to a separate location identified in the transcript as Clockwork Bar.
Frank Scott, who identified himself as the applicant, acknowledged prior incidents outside other operator locations but said the stabbing cited during earlier hearings occurred in the street and not inside his premises. Community members and committee members cited NYPD data presented to the board: "45 311 complaints, 49 911 calls, 5 reports of assaults in the first 8 months of 2021" associated with the Clockwork location, according to the transcript.
Committee members expressed concern about adding another late-night venue in a primarily residential area. At multiple points the committee asked whether the applicant would accept a reduced closing time. The transcript records a direct request: "Doctor Smith? Would you be willing would you be willing to close at 02:00 as opposed to 4?" and the applicant (Frank Scott) responded, "02:00 throughout. Yes." The applicant said this was a misunderstanding from previous appearances and agreed to operate with a 2 a.m. closing time, at least for an initial period.
The record shows neighborhood letters both in favor and opposed; the community board resolution packet included statements from residents and from BAMRA. Committee members noted the record of SLA disciplinary actions at other locations and said ongoing police complaints informed their skepticism about granting extended late-night hours.
The applicants commitment to a 2 a.m. closing was recorded in the meeting, but the transcript does not show a formal licensing vote by the SLA; the committee framed its action as recommending a 2 a.m. restriction as a condition of local support.
