Empire Billiards Fined in New Hyde Park Village Court

The manager of Empire Billiards found himself in New Hyde Park Village Court this past week over two violations at the much-troubled pool hall.

The village had issued two summonses for Empire Billiards for again operating without a permit and maintaining shades at a lower-than-permitted height.

Manager Harinder Singh pled guilty to both counts and the fines, totaling $250, are due to be paid Friday, June 28. Prosecutors had recommended that the fines be increased to $2,000, but that amount would need to be approved by the village board. If additional violations occur, increased fines could possibly be levied.

The first violation stemmed from actually operating as a billiard hall after the village had opted not to renew the businesses's gaming license. According to reports, Singh stated in court that several of his friends who were not paying customers were in the pool hall when he was not present hen they decided to play a game of pool.

The second violation issued concerned the shades in the front windows of the hall which look out onto Jericho Turnpike, which were not 54 inches from the ground, allowing the inside to be seen from the street.

The pool hall had also been summonsed for operating without a gaming license last year and has been a source of contention for many residents in the immediate neighborhood.

At a recent village board meeting, officers from the Third Precinct reported that on June 15 at the billiard hall, police issued two parking violations for overnight parking, received a noise complaint, a supervisor entered the billiard hall and issued a citation for “disorderly premise” an alcohol and beverage control violation that is an appearance ticket and referral to the state liquor authority requiring them to appear at an administrative hearing.

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