A Crown Heights barbershop is being accused of operating an illegal speakeasy bar after undercover cops gained entry to the venue, which was filled with female dancers earlier this year, according to recent court filings in Brooklyn Supreme Court.
The city started legal action to close Stylz & Cutz R Us at 223 Utica Ave. on May 6 after an undercover sting operation on Jan. 6, when officers reported the barbershop had a makeshift bar, sound system, and female dancers performing.
Prompted by multiple complaints from neighbors alleging the illegal sale of alcohol on the premises, two officers from the NYPD’s Vice Enforcement Division went to Stylz & Cutz R Us to investigate.
According to the officers, they sought entry by knocking on the barbershop’s front door, paid a $10 entrance fee each, and underwent a weapons pat-down by a doorman.
Once inside, the officers said they ordered a drink at the makeshift bar that contained assorted types of alcohol, while several other patrons were purchasing and consuming alcoholic beverages. They estimated the premises had a capacity of up to twenty people.
During the operation, the officers said they purchased five drinks of “Hennessy” brand cognac, for $10 each.
Per the lawsuit, records from the New York State Liquor Authority indicated indicated that Stylz & Cutz R Us did not possess a license permitting the sale, consumption, or storage of alcoholic beverages at the time of the undercover operation.
The defendant named in the lawsuit is 223 Utica Avenue LLC, which purchased the property in 2011, according to the Office of City Register. Efforts made to contact the LLC and the tenants of Stylz & Cutz R Us by Brooklyn Paper were unsuccessful at the time of publication.
