July 9, 2013 By Christian Murray
The State Liquor Authority (SLA) turned down a liquor license application for a proposed bikini bar in Astoria last week.
The operators of Racks, located at 19-26 Steinway Street, upset neighborhood residents last year when they refused to sign an agreement stating the club would not be turned in adult entertainment venue.
Racks took over the space from a pool hall which had the same name.
Racks’ dancers would have worn bikini tops and thongs and performed lap dances in the main area as well as in a VIP room.
Assemblywoman Aravella Simotas (D-Astoria) and other Astoria residents traveled to Albany to express their opposition.
“It’s our voices that have been heard over those business owners just interested in turning a profit,” Simotas said. “Residents who have invested in this community don’t want to live by a bikini bar or strip club,” she said.
“I tip my hat to the State Liquor Authority for listening to our community and helping preserve the character of our neighborhood,” state Sen. Mike Gianaris (D-Astoria) said.
2 Comments
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Yet it’s perfectly legal for women to walk around topless in public in NYC. But women in bikinis behind closed doors where nobody under 21 is allowed is no good.
There’s far more lewdness at the Gay Pride and Mermaid Parades.
Hypocrites.