New York State has revoked a New York City restaurant’s liquor license after hosting an indoor party featuring a mask-less conga line, according to NBC News.
The Whitestone Republican Club held an indoor holiday party in Queen’s, NY, restaurant called Il Bacco.
Footage of the party went viral after it showed maskless attendees ending up in a conga line. Vickie Paladino, a GOP candidate for New York City Council, is seen as the leader of the dance at one point.
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 a video emerged of a possible superspreader holiday party in Il Bacco with maskless dancing, the SLA immediately launched an investigation.”
The liquor authority added: “During a follow-up inspection, investigators found blatant violations of indoor dining rules and existing health, safety and alcohol control laws, while verifying that the maskless party depicted in the video was indeed occurred.”
Calls to Il Bacco are forwarded to an answering machine stating that the restaurant will be closed until eating inside is allowed again, NBC said.
Reports indicate that at least 50 people attended the party, breaking New York rules that restrict gatherings to just 10 people.
Jim Trent, president of the Queens Village Republican Club, tested positive for the corona virus. 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 that I got sick.”
The Whitestone Republican Club defended the party after the release of the images.
“Defending our personal freedoms is of the utmost importance in a free society, and no one should be punished, shamed or ostracized for the way they choose to live their lives,” the club said in a statement.