Empire Billiards Reportedly Closes Doors

The Empire Billiards pool hall in New Hyde Park has reportedly shuttered its doors Monday.

The combination bar and lounge had been the subject of numerous complaints from residents and New Hyde Park Village officials over the past several years regarding the behavior of its patrons with reports of loud noise, public urination as well as reports of fighting in the vicinity of the premises.

According to the Nassau County Third Precinct, there have been about 13 noise reports filed this calendar year regarding the establishment, with three found to be unfounded. There were four disturbance reports, two of which were unfounded according to police, and a report of a fight also found to be unfounded.

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.

Police have conducted at least six inspection license checks , which is comprised of a premise check and all of which resulted in no violations being found.

The village has issued several summonses against Empire Billiards and last year had opted not to renew the businesses's gaming license. 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.

Recently 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, were due to be paid on Friday, June 28.

Monday afternoon after 4 p.m. two patrons attempted to enter the billiard hall but were turned away. A sign on the front entrance stated that the business opened at 4 p.m. but a person answering the door said that the business was closed. Stating that he was a cleaner and declining to give his name because he was not authorized to speak on the matter, he said that he too had heard the business was closed.

Attempts to reach owner Sonar Singh were unsuccessful.

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