Town of Babylon reserves decision after owner agrees to work with deputy town attorney on underage-sales concerns

The Town of Babylon board paused any immediate enforcement action against a North Babylon convenience store Wednesday after the store owner and his attorney agreed to cooperate with the town’s deputy attorney on steps toward compliance.

Dilip Kumar Shah told the board he has owned the business since 2012 and that the store’s hours are 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. “My name is Dilip Kumar Shah, and I owned that store from 2012,” he said for the record. Shah also said he owns a second, similar store in Bethpage and that he fired the employee who received two tickets following recent enforcement activity.

The board said it had received two arrests that formed the basis for the administrative notice and reiterated its duty to prevent sales of alcohol and flavored vaping products to minors. A board member told Shah the town could move to close the business if problems continue but said members preferred not to put people out of work if compliance steps were taken.

Attorney Bianco, representing the owner, asked the board not to take “drastic action” and said his firm helps clients learn compliance practices and vet employees. The board directed Shah and counsel to connect with Deputy Town Attorney Jerry Guarino to share information and coordinate next steps; the board said it would have enforcement staff and community compliance teams monitor the store.

No formal enforcement action was taken at the meeting; Councilman Maneta moved and Councilman Martinez seconded a motion to close the public hearing and reserve decision, which the board approved.

The board noted the store holds a New York State liquor license and does not operate a lottery machine, according to testimony. The next procedural step is for the owner and counsel to meet with Deputy Town Attorney Guarino and for town staff to follow up on enforcement checks.