POLS’ POUR FORM
Council rush job
They pulled the strings so the bartenders could pull the taps.
The City Council booked its holiday party at a swanky new bar that still needed a liquor license — so they just called in a favor for a rush permit to get the beer flowing, sources told The Post.
Council Speaker Melissa MarkViverito agreed to have Wednesday night’s party at Barleycorn Craft Bar & Grill, which is owned by the pal of top staffer Steve Feder.
But after the invitations had already gone out, the council learned that the Park Place watering hole was still awaiting a license from the State Liquor Authority, the sources said.
That’s when they turned to council First Deputy Chief of Staff Ramon Martinez, known as “the fixer” for his ability to solve problems. Feder asked Martinez at a senior leadership meeting to pressure the SLA — and state officials gave the bar its license just hours before the party started.
An SLA spokesman denied doing any favors for the council and said it simply issued a permit on an application submitted in April.
“The City Council is proud to do its part to support the city’s small businesses,” said council spokeswoman Robin Levine. “All state licenses went through the normal approval process.”
A Barleycorn waitress told The Post that planning the party has been frantic.
“When we heard we had to host that party, it was a real doordie moment. And anything and everything was done to make sure this place was open and able to at least serve drinks tonight,” she said.
Barleycorn didn’t even have a menu Wednesday night because the kitchen wasn’t ready.
“When City Hall wants to throw a party on a particular day, you make sure you’re open,” said another waitress. “Getting the liquor license in time, it’s been crazy. There’s still so much work to do, we are just barely operating.”
Tickets to the holiday party were sold for $45 a pop, with the promise of wine, beer and a buffetstyle dinner.