Asian American restaurant Bijou Modern, an Anthony Scotto restaurant in Melville, was cited for multiple violations and closed Thursday after law enforcement allegedly discovered an illegal nightclub and a bag of cocaine at the establishment. The restaurant reopened Friday.
On Thursday at 11 p.m., officials from the Suffolk County Police Department, Town of Huntington and the New York State Liquor Authority conducted an inspection of Anthony Scotto’s Restaurant, 400 Broadhollow Rd., in response to complaints from the community.
Police said they observed the restaurant operating illegally as a nightclub, with a DJ playing music and a dance floor. A “small quantity” of cocaine was found on the floor of the establishment, but a police spokesperson said Friday that no arrests had been made because it was unclear who the cocaine belonged to.
According to Joseph Cirigliano, public safety director for the city of Huntington, a code enforcement inspector found the restaurant had no certificate of occupancy, no permit for outside dining and no permit for one of its brands. He said the investigation was ongoing.
Anthony Scotto confirmed Friday that restaurant manager Michael DeFrancesco, of Lynbrook, was informed of three violations involving alcohol service signs not prominently displayed. The summonses were for signs regarding liquor licensing, warnings to pregnant women not to drink and banning minors from drinking, he said.
Scotto said he had no knowledge of the other violations and added that the restaurant had a valid certificate of occupancy and its outdoor dining and signage were also permitted. The restaurant also had no knowledge of the presence of drugs, he added. “We have four security guards there. It’s their job to make sure people feel safe.
City officials did not respond to calls seeking additional comment on the status of the certificate of occupancy.
With Maureen Mullarkey
