The Box battles for liquor license

The Box may be cornered into closing, as its liquor license renewal is now in question. The Community Board 3 State Liquor Committee decided to recommend rejection of renewal of the Lower East Side bar’s license due to ongoing complaints from community members on Sept. 15.

Noise violations was the biggest 311 complaint in the Lower East Side, with 44.52 calls per 10,000 residents in June. Many community residents came to the meeting to raise their concerns about The Box, which is on Chrystie St., and other local bars.

Several Chrystie St. residents cited prolonged violations of noise codes from The Box. Those residents who live in an adjoining building voiced the strongest opinions.

The ownership team of The Box includes Simon Hammerstein, son of famous musical director Oscar. The bar is partially organized by a gaggle of celebrities, including Jude Law and Rachel Weisz. It brings performers from around the world to its venue for a mix of what its Web site calls, “the excitement and energy of those concert saloons and burlesque halls.”

Charles Cohen owner of an adjoining building, said, “Tenants have a very deep resentment for spending a year and a half with their bull (expletive).”

They described a venue where soundproofing was lacking and an overabundance in visitors was forcing them to lose sleep.

“If I’m going to lose sleep I want to be paid for it,” said Ken Rizzo, a contractor.

Chris Henry, and art gallery owner, said, “I can actually hear the music, I can actually hear their song.”

Cohen said he was disappointed in what the establishment was meant to be and what it had become.

“Sounded like they were going to be a cultural institution,” said Cohen. “They opened it up and it was bedlam, absolute bedlam.”

Councilman David McWater, a board member who owns several bars, questioned Randy Weiner, one of The Box’s owners. McWater called the bar’s existence as a cabaret “a loophole” in laws regarding the difference between a bar and such a venue.

“There is a whole anti-bar movement in this neighborhood because of the illegal cabarets,” said McWater.

He also asked about the complaints from the community and how The Box had sought to deal with them.

Weiner said he implemented soundproofing and had reduced the audio volume thus resulting in fewer complaints. After the meeting he said he was skeptical of the complaints of the residents and felt he had taken appropriate measures.

But residents of the neighboring building were not pleased with his response.

Residents felt that by renewing the liquor license without additional restrictions, The Box would resume its former noisy ways. Henry, the gallery owner, who carried a list of 311 complaints he had made on his cell phone, felt that any measure must be legally binding to keep the bar in check.

The committee agreed with residents, unanimously voting for non-renewal. A decision now goes to the full Community Board, which meets on Sept. 23.

Cohen described the atmosphere as one of bottle service and decadent wealth that is, “looking to appeal to celebrity.”

“I think you go in and buy a bottle of Hennessey for $1,200 and that gives you a table,” said Cohen.

The Box has recently been in the tabloid papers and New York Magazine for table dances by celebrity Lindsey Lohan and its appearance on the television show “Gossip Girl.”

Its rich clientele may soon be looking for somewhere else to table dance.