So-called Buffalo 'speakeasy' no longer subject to order to cease all operations

BUFFALO, N.Y. — A North Buffalo business closed over the weekend for allegedly operating as a speakeasy is no longer subject to a “cease all operations” order previously issued by Buffalo police.

“They are certainly aware that if there are further violations, we will come back to them and possibly consider revoking even their regular operating license,” Police Commissioner Joseph Gramaglia said of “Occasions.” a party planning company operating out of a store. at 1783, avenue Hertel, near avenue Starin.

Police say a large crowd had gathered outside the business around 2:30 a.m. Saturday morning, and when police went to investigate, the owners were uncooperative in allowing police entry.

Regarding the number of speakeasies operating in Buffalo, Gramaglia said it's difficult to determine because they operate underground.

“There are some we just don’t know about,” he said.

As for Occasions, Gramaglia said there were reports of a private party where drinks were served.

“It's supposed to be a business, not a place to serve alcohol. It's not like your home where you can serve drinks to guests,” he said.

Police later charged the owner with operating without a license, employing an unregistered bouncer and allowing patrons to possess and consume alcohol, among other ordinance violations.

“We're really trying to do a lot of work to try to stay ahead of these things (speakeasies) and try to identify them…unfortunately, we're going to discover some of them when something bad happens.”

Three months ago, two men were shot following a fight at an East Lovejoy speakeasy.

“These places are very good at hiding,” Gramaglia said. So we're looking for cars where they're not supposed to be, and we're looking for people coming in and out of a place that we know doesn't have a permit to be open as an establishment, and then we we will do our best to search for this place. “.

There was no one there when 2 on Your Side visited Tuesday afternoon to hear their side of the story. The main entrance was locked and the interior appeared vacant. The sign posted by the city announcing it was to cease all operations was no longer there, but a faded sign directing customers to the stores' Covid-19 protocols remained.