Famed bar loses license in virus flap

The White Horse Tavern, a landmark West Village watering hole once frequented by the likes of poet Dylan Thomas, had its liquor license suspended after repeatedly violating social distancing guidelines as first reported in Eater.

The State Liquor Authority issued the emergency suspension on Wednesday, after determining that the legendary corner pub failed to rein in unruly crowds ignoring coronavirus safety measures.

“Despite numerous warnings, this licensee continued to recklessly violate protocols that have helped to dramatically slow the spread of the coronavirus throughout New York,” said SLA Chairman Vincent Bradley. “The SLA will not hesitate to take action against licensees who jeopardize lives and threaten the progress our state has made.”

On three separate occasions in early June, NYPD officers found as many as 100 patrons gathered outside the tavern with an illegal bar set up and music blaring. The cops repeatedly warned owner Eytan Sugarman that the crowds were violating Gov. Cuomo’s executive orders.

A week later, on the Fourth of July, hundreds of patrons again partied outside the famed dive after 11 p.m. against city policy.

Ahead of the city entering Phase 2, allowing outdoor dining, the governor signed an order expanding the enforcement power of the SLA and making bars responsible for maintaining social distancing guidelines and other policies “immediately outside of their locations.”

The White Horse Tavern, which claims to be the second oldest bar in the city, announced on social media it will close its doors for the foreseeable future.

“Sad day friends. Our beloved White Horse Tavern is temporarily closed for business,” reads a post the bar’s Instagram feed.We are the first to admit we were overwhelmed with the demand and weren’t prepared with the staff to deal with the overcrowding,” the post continues.