Breaking: Tiny Fork Denied License for Basement Bar

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The full board of the State Liquor Authority just convened and dropped the hammer on Rob Shamlian and Tiny Fork.

At issue, as before, is the basement club, an alteration which Community Board 3 denied back in April due to overwhelming neighborhood opposition (i.e. 96 signatures) and a lack of outreach from principals Rob Shamlian and Frank Vivolo. The applicants went directly to the state to try and secure a full OP license for a space that’s allegedly been in use.

The board grilled Shamlian at the meeting; he had trouble identifying exactly when the bar opened (how would an operator not know?). There was also concern that the addition of a cellar bar would move the establishment more toward a tavern than its initial stated method of operation (i.e. restaurant).

Ultimately, it was an email at the eleventh-hour by the LES Dwellers that likely sunk any hope of attaining approval. Video included in the correspondence apparently proved that the space was indeed operating, albeit in a completely dark manner. Which added doubt to their argument about serving food down there (how could you see?). In its ruling, the board noted that Shamlian’s poor track record with operating bars in the neighborhood also contributed to the decision.

In related news, a tipster alerted us to the partial stop work order that exists for 167 Orchard Street. This infraction is related to the exterior illuminated lighting on either corner, apparently installed without a proper DOB permit.

By the way, this whole Tiny Fork endeavor should be a moot point anyway, as Mr. Shamlian reportedly has no Certificate of Occupancy in place for either floor. There are numerous complaints (and over $3,000 in related fines) filed with the DOB for this matter alone.