Buffalo business called ‘speakeasy’ by city closed

BUFFALO, N.Y. — A Buffalo business received a notice to “cease all operations” after the city labeled it an “illegal speakeasy.”

The notification follows a nighttime incident. Buffalo police said they “proactively” observed a large crowd outside the business at 1783 Hertel Avenue, just east of Starin Avenue, around 2:30 a.m. Saturday.

“The Department of Licensing and Inspection Services says the business was operating without a permit,” the city of Buffalo said in a statement Saturday afternoon.

The city said the 44-year-old business owner employed an unregistered bouncer and allowed people to possess and consume alcohol in public places, among other ordinance violations.