Original Article on New York Magazine

Community Board 3s liquor license committee approved Matt Levines takeover of Mason Dixons license earlier this month, and now the full board has voted (311, with one abstention) to support his bid. But not before LES condo residents living above the bar voiced their heated objections during the boards meeting last night. Levine had wanted to stay open till 4 a.m. daily, but agreed to restrict his hours from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m., Sunday through Wednesday. He left the auditorium of P.S. 20 with Mason Dixon owner Rob Shamlian and Shamlians wife Emily, who hope to sell the bar to Levine and his partner Michael Shah, the bar's landlord. Emily claims he has become the target of a "smear" campaign by condo board members (Mrs. Shamlian) and been "har...(read more)