Members of New York City’s metal scene are scrambling to rebook shows as Saint Vitus Bar in Brooklyn was shut down by The NYC Department Of Buildings in the middle of Balmora’s set at the Mindforce show on Feb. 16. Many are questioning what happened and what to do next.
Saint Vitus Bar has been in operation since 2011 but since 2017, the company started receiving complaints about its certificate of occupancy, which got the attention of the city’s building department.
As Gotham reported, in May and June of 2023, the venue received dozens of identical complaints alleging a lack of maximum occupancy signs, an inappropriate certificate of occupancy, and a missing Public Assembly Certificate of Operation. The complaints started threatening to get the city involved, falling silent until September. This recent complaint sparked the inspection during the metal show.
As of Friday, September 22, 2023 the following are facts about 1120 Manhattan Avenue know to the public as Saint Vitus Bar: 1) Saint Vitus Bar does not have any maximum occupancy signs posted anywhere, and more often than not they host more people than their allotted maximum capacity. 2) Saint Vitus Bar’s most recent Certificate of Occupancy on file with the Department of Buildings does not allow it to operate as an eating/drinking establishment. There is no other Certificate of Occupancy or Letter of No Objection that supersedes their Certificate of Occupancy dated November 12, 1953…I will continue to make this complaint on a daily basis until either the Department of Buildings performs an inspection or until Saint Vitus Bar can remedy their situation.
Recent complaint excerpt- reported by Metal Injection
The main question plaguing the venue owners and staff is who could have made these complaints. Do they have some personal vendetta against the venue? Why would the DOB come during the show? As one of the last independent venues operating in the city, it is a loss for the underground community. Bands scheduled for February and March now have to cancel shows and find new venues, which is difficult in a city like New York where acts are booked months in advance.
With the fishiness of the similar complaints, people believe it might be one disgruntled community member who was upset by the noise. Obviously, the venue needs to get their paperwork and rules in order, but hopefully, this isn’t the end of Saint Vitus.
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