On November 20, 2021, Assemblyman Edward Braunstein (D-Bayside) and Senator John Liu announced that the New York State Liquor Authority (SLA) has officially suspended the license of “Silk Hookah Lounge LLC,” known as Kloud Tequila Grill and Hookah Lounge. Effective immediately, no alcohol is allowed to be sold or consumed on the premises at 192-08 Northern Boulevard.

The business has been the source of numerous health, safety and quality of life concerns in recent months. Local residents and small business owners have reported a host of disturbing issues, including the sale of alcohol to intoxicated patrons, public urination, drag racing, public sex acts, loud music and littering.

On November 13th, concerns escalated when a shooting that left two people wounded occurred outside of the business. The NYPD investigation determined that the shooting followed an altercation where patrons were denied entry during a private party taking place inside. Officers apprehended a 19 year old with a loaded firearm at the scene.

While the license suspension is an important step in the right direction, Braunstein, Liu and civic leaders are calling on the SLA to permanently revoke Kloud's license in order to protect the welfare of the Auburndale community.

“The issues involving Kloud Tequila Grill extend well beyond unneighborly behavior. For months, the local community has been raising concerns that the ownership and patrons of this establishment were engaged in activity that severely compromised public health and safety,” said Assemblyman Edward Braunstein. “While the SLA’s ruling to suspend Kloud’s liquor license is a good first start, more needs to be done. I continue to urge the SLA to do the right thing by the Auburndale community and permanently revoke Kloud’s license. Enough is enough.”

"Now that SLA has pulled their liquor license, we can say with confidence that the forecast for Kloud Tequila Grill is dark and stormy,” said Senator John Liu. “The recent gun violence of the last week was the last straw for the state, but our community knew Kloud was dangerous from the beginning. Any business that operates with such blatant disregard for their neighbors should take warning that our community won’t stand for it, and we will fight tooth and nail to make sure our neighborhoods are safe."

“On behalf of the Auburndale Northern Association, I’d like to thank Assemblyman Ed Braunstein and Senator John Liu’s tireless efforts to ensure the public safety and quality of life of our community,” said Auburndale Northern Association Member Alexandra Han. “This outcome clearly demonstrates that when people get together and take action, we can achieve great things. While we are grateful for this temporary suspension, there were plenty of warning signs before the gun violence of last week. We urge the NYS Liquor Authority to continue to do the right thing by fully revoking Kloud (Silk)’s liquor license.”

"CB 11 has been fielding complaints and dealing with the fallout from many quality of life disturbances from the bar known as Kloud Tequila Grill for months, and are outraged by the recent escalation of community violence that has spilled out of the establishment and into the neighborhood,” said Community Board 11 District Manager Joseph Marziliano. “The Board office will continue to work with State Senator Liu and Assembly Member Braunstein to rally the various city and state agencies to enforce the laws and hold Kloud accountable."

The SLA has indicated that it intends to seek the permanent cancellation or revocation of Kloud’s license.