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Rally Opposing the Liquor License Application for "Racks" on Steinway

"When all of us come together like this, it is clear that this "bikini bar" has no place in our community," NYS Assembly Member Aravella Simotas said.

NYS Assemblywoman Aravela Samotas, Rally to oppose liquor license for 'Racks' bikini bar     Joseph Crowley, US Congressman     Full video coverage and follow up Q&A are available in the left column in 4 segments of approximately three to five minutes each. Rally to oppose application for 'Racks' bikini bar location on Steinway in Astoria with New York State Liquor Authority 20120927 Rally to oppose liquor license long island city jan 12, 2012 20120112 NYS_SLA_gypsy_rose_hearing_20120118_8464 Chairman Rosen, State Liquor Authority, Excerpt Summary of Decision....people living there as residents, have come together with different government agencies, with a vision to create a new Long Island City. 10/6/2010

Long Island City, NY September 27, 2012 - Working to protect the character of our neighborhoods, Assemblywoman Aravella Simotas hosted a rally opposing the liquor license for "Racks," a proposed "bikini bar."  Simotas was joined by Congressman Joseph Crowley, State Senator Michael Gianaris and community leaders in voicing the community’s objections to adult entertainment in the heart of Astoria.  There is no place for an adult entertainment venue in the heart of Astoria.  The rally was held Thursday, September 27, 2012 at the Woodtree Playground at 38th Street and 20th Avenue in Astoria. "When all of us come together like this, it is clear that this "bikini bar" has no place in our community," Simotas said. The "bikini bar" was described by the owners’ representative as a place where the female staff would be dressed in bikinis, serve patrons, and potentially dance on raised platforms in the bar.  The representative also said that the owners would seek a cabaret license, allowing patrons to dance, as well.  At the September 4 meeting of the Consumer Affairs Committee of Community Board 1, members as well as a representative from Simotas’ staff requested that the owners of "Racks," formerly a billiards hall, stipulate that they would not seek to become a strip club.  The owners refused.  The committee unanimously recommended denial of the liquor license to the "bikini bar."  Senator Michael Gianaris said, "Sex-related businesses like this one are not welcome in our residential neighborhood. Residents and businesses have worked hard to make our neighborhood the wholesome, family-oriented place that it is. A lewd business like Racks will decrease our quality of life and harm nearby businesses, who respect the character of our neighborhood. I urge the State Liquor Authority to deny this application and call on the owner to find a more suitable location for his establishment." OurLIC attend the rally and makes available a full video of the event.  OurLIC is also including an archived video of Assembly Member Cathy Nolan, Senator Gianaris, and Bishop Mitchell Taylor at a similar rally January 12, 2012 opposing the Liquor License for Gypsy Rose on 21st Street.  The license for Gypsy Rose was denied. Part of the consideration by the SLA was the strong vocal objection by the community, Long Island City, against granting the license. The Astoria community is recognized to be part of Long Island City and reflects the same emerging family values. At the January rally, Assembly Member Cathy Nolan made the point forcefully that "Long Island City is not a dumping ground. Long Island City is not going to be a place where we exploit women!" She continues, "If you look at the history of these places, over all the many years that I have been involved, and you look at the police reports, you see consistent examples of violence against women. As a women leader in this community for many years, I have to say 'ENOUGH'. We are not taking it any more."  Three places in Western Queens were raided, closed, and arrests made for human trafficking in January 2012. Western Queens has a saturation of strip clubs, and community leaders have expressed strong opposition. In the case of Racks, Community Board #1 voted unanimously not to support the application for the liquor licenses.   Simotas Leads Fight to Preserve the Character of Astoria, Queens Taking a Stand against the Opening of Proposed "Bikini Bar" on Steinway Street ASTORIA, N.Y. - Working to protect the character of our neighborhoods, Assemblywoman Aravella Simotas hosted a rally opposing the liquor license for "Racks," a proposed "bikini bar."  Simotas was joined by Congressman Joseph Crowley, State Senator Michael Gianaris and community leaders in voicing the community’s objections to adult entertainment in the heart of Astoria. The "bikini bar" was described by the owners’ representative as a place where the female staff would be dressed in bikinis, serve patrons, and potentially dance on raised platforms in the bar.  The representative also said that the owners would seek a cabaret license, allowing patrons to dance, as well.  At the September 4 meeting of the Consumer Affairs Committee of Community Board 1, members as well as a representative from Simotas’ staff requested that the owners of "Racks," formerly a billiards hall, stipulate that they would not seek to become a strip club.  The owners refused.  The committee unanimously recommended denial of the liquor license to the "bikini bar."  Last week, Simotas and Crowley sent a letter to the State Liquor Authority supporting the Community Board’s decision and urging the denial of the liquor license application for this adult venue in our community.  "The distinction between patrons dancing with barely clad women and topless women is not apparent, and gives us great cause for concern," the legislators wrote.  "As an elected official, a woman who has lived in this neighborhood my whole life, and as a mother raising a daughter a few blocks away from "Racks," I am deeply offended that these owners believe that this location is the appropriate venue for a bikini bar," Simotas said.  "Astoria is a family oriented community.  Indeed, the proposed bikini bar is located in the heart of a residential area, about half a block away from residences, two blocks away from a playground and four blocks away from where our children play soccer and little league." At the rally organized by the Assemblywoman last week, Crowley voiced his opposition to the proposed "bikini bar."  "The very premise of this establishment objectifies and degrades women, and this type of business is simply not welcome in our community. That's why I join Assemblywoman Simotas in strongly urging the New York State Liquor Authority to deny this establishment a liquor license," said Rep. Joe Crowley (D-Queens, the Bronx). "We must do all we can to ensure the safety and quality of life for residents of Astoria and throughout Queens."   Gianaris, a life-long Astorian, said, "Sex-related businesses like this one are not welcome in our residential neighborhood. Residents and businesses have worked hard to make our neighborhood the wholesome, family-oriented place that it is. A lewd business like "Racks" will decrease our quality of life and harm nearby businesses, who respect the character of our neighborhood. I urge the State Liquor Authority to deny this application and call on the owner to find a more suitable location for his establishment."             "When all of us come together like this, it is clear that this "bikini bar" has no place in our community," Simotas said.      NYS Assemblywoman Aravela Samotas, Rally to oppose liquor license for 'Racks' bikini bar Joseph Crowley, US Congressman Tony Meloni, Chair of Public Services Committee, Community Board #1 NY State Senator Michael Gianaris Costa Constantinides. District Manager for Democratic Party and Candidate for NYC Council. Aravella Simotas, Mother and daughter, Helen, advocating for her neighborhood

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