Mayor Adams’ comments came in response to a Gothamist report that detailed his long-standing support of Avant Gardner, which has attracted scrutiny from the SLA for what it described as “rampant” drug use and multiple overdose deaths among its patrons.
Donate NowNew York City Mayor Eric Adams defended his office’s efforts to help Brooklyn music venue Avant Gardner, which included brokering a meeting with a top aide to Gov. Kathy Hochul as the venue battled with the State Liquor Authority.
“I’ve said it over and over again: the backbone of this city really focuses on small businesses,” Adams said. “If someone comes to our office because they need assistance, we are going to give them the legal assistance that they need.” Avant Gardner’s owner, Juergen “Billy” Bildstein, provided documents to Hochul’s office claiming his business was being targeted by the SLA, which controls the venue’s ability to sell alcohol. With the assistance of Adams’ office, Bildstein secured a meeting in July with top public officials, including the mayor’s chief adviser and Kathryn Garcia, a top aide to Hochul who oversees the SLA, according to documents obtained by Gothamist and interviews with public officials.
“I’m hoping that eventually we’ll get to the day that the SLA is handled on the city level,” Adams said. “I don’t think people outside the city should be making the requirements or how it’s enforced here.”
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