Jan. 25, 2018 By Christian Murray

The owner of a Sunnyside bar came under fire from a Community Board 2 committee Monday for racking up multiple police violations in recent months—from serving liquor after hours to serving patrons without proper ID.

Yosi Aculey, the owner of El Rodeo at 45-50 46th Street, was asked to explain the violations as part of the process to renew his liquor license.

“You’ve had PD [police] there every month since August,” said Debra Markell, the CB2 District Manager who was the acting chair for the City Services & Public Safety Committee.

On Sept. 24, 2017 the establishment was written up for accepting improper ID, Markell said; on Oct. 23, it was cited for failing to have a cabaret license; on Nov. 12, it was written up for operating after hours and serving contaminated liquor; on Nov. 19, it was operating after hours; and on Dec. 2, it was cited for having a disorderly premise, after a patron was assaulted with a bottle.

Additionally, the establishment was been hit with noise violations and for having an “obstructed view,” Markell said. Bars are required to provide the public with a view of the inside of the premises from the street.

Aculey, whose bar operates from 6 p.m. through 4:00 a.m. and features live music and DJs, had failed to show up for two prior committee meetings.

Aculey didn’t provide an adequate explanation for the violations so Markell asked him to provide the board with his court depositions related to the violations. She asked to see documentation if they were dismissed.

He said that he would furnish the board with those records.

Despite the violations, the State Liquor Authority had already approved the renewal of his liquor license, much to the displeasure of the board.

The board, left powerless, still decided to send a letter to the SLA opposing the renewal that would list all of the violations.