The state of New York has revoked the liquor license of a restaurant in New York after it hosted a party indoors with a maskless conga line, according to NBC News.
The Whitestone Republican Club held an indoor holiday party at Queen’s Restaurant, NY, Il Bacco.
Footage of the party went viral after it showed maskless contestants ending up in a conga line. Vickie Paladino, a GOP candidate for New York City Council, is seen at one point leading 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 superspreader holiday party at Il Bacco surfaced with maskless dancing, the SLA immediately launched an investigation.”
The Liquor Authority added: “During a follow-up inspection, investigators found that the conspicuous violations of the indoor emission regulations and the existing health safety laws and the laws on the control of alcoholic beverages were forced, while the maskless party depicted in the video was in fact took place. “
Calls to Il Bacco are being made according to an answering machine, saying the restaurant will be closed until indoor dining is allowed, according to NBC.
Reports indicate that at least 50 people attended the party, violating New York rules limiting the event to just ten people.
Jim Trent, chairman of the Queens Village Republican Club, tested positive for the coronavirus. Local media reported that two other servants, a man and a woman, also tested positive.
Trent told the Queens Daily Eagle: “It was a great time and a great party, but I’m not happy I got sick.”
The Whitestone Republican club defended the party after the release of the footage.
“The protection of our personal freedoms is of the utmost importance in a free society, and no one should be penalized, shamed or wiped out on how they decide to lead their lives,” the club said in a statement.