Nyack relaxes booze ban, OKs sales until 10 p.m.
Photo credit: Angela Gaul | Bill Kingston, a bouncer from Valley Cottage, sits at the bar nursing a soft drink at the Pour House in Nyack. "I was supposed to work Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday this week. That's about $800. I count on this money. I don't understand. Where's the logic in this? There's always potential that someone's going to get hurt whether the lights are on or not. The economy is bad enough as it is. Now this lady is shutting us down?" he asked, referring to Nyack Mayor Jen White. Bartender Wally Nolan is pictured in the background. (Nov. 2, 2012)
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The Village of Nyack revised its ban on alcohol Friday afternoon less than 24 hours after upset business owners crowded the steps in front of village hall to question the restriction.
According to a perfunctory announcement posted at 2 p.m. on the village's website, "The Village has revised its alcohol ban to allow local residents dinner and drinks until 10 p.m. in those businesses with electrical power."
Nyack Mayor Jen White and the village board had cited lack of police presence and fear for public safety in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy when they put the temporary ban in place Wednesday afternoon.
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Restaurant and tavern owners argued that Sandy had done enough damage to their businesses without the town's assistance.
"We suffered Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday when we didn't have electricity," restaurant owner Marianne Olive said. "But now our lights are back on, we need to make a living. It's not fair."
White and police officials were scheduled to meet with the business owners Friday morning to discuss the issue further. The mayor's phone is temporarily out of order and she could not be reached for comment about the compromise.
