Scores, the strip club on the western rim of Chelsea where big clubs and lounges dominate the night, struck out earlier this month for the second time this year in its attempt to convince Community Board 4 to approve a second liquor license for a proposed new upstairs establishment.
The full board, whose actions are strictly advisory, voted overwhelmingly at its June 7 meeting to recommend that the State Liquor Authority deny a second liquor license for a third floor restaurant, Scores President’s Club, 533-7 W. 27th St., where Scores intends to move its adult entertainment club from W. 28th St.
In February, the board voted against approving new liquor licenses for the third floor and the roof above the Scores club at 536 W. 28th St. At that time, the full board reversed the recommendation of its business licenses committee, which had voted to approve the two additional licenses. The full board in February agreed with the judgment of police and residential neighbors that the area between 10th and 11th Aves. in the mid 20s where clubs and lounges can accommodate a total of more than 10,000 patrons, was oversaturated with licensed establishments.
On June 7, the full board again reversed the recommendation of its business licenses committee.
John Weis, committee co-chairperson, said last week that the committee thought the new application was more reasonable than the one in February which sought two new licenses for proposed clubs with a total capacity of 1,000 patrons. The June S.L.A. application was for Scores President’s Club, a restaurant with an estimated capacity of 200 patrons.
“But the board felt the location was in the epicenter of an area with too many licensed premises,” said Weis, who nevertheless voted in favor of the Scores application along with two other C.B., 4 members, John Blair and Morgan McLean, both involved in the operation of clubs in Chelsea.
