Town Appeals Board Denies Industry's Request for Cabaret Permit Renewal

The future of the Industry nightclub on Hempstead Turnpike may be in jeopardy after the Hempstead Town Board of Appeals denied the club's application to renew its cabaret permit.

Town Supervisor Kate Murray and Town Councilman Gary Hudes announced the decision to Levittown residents in a letter dated Aug. 11. The club, formerly known as the Shy Lounge, re-opened last September under the Industry name.

The club's public safety issues provoked controversy in Levittown in recent months after several violent incidents occurred at the club. The most recent was a shooting outside of the club in June.

When asked for comment, Industry ownership referred Patch to their legal representation. "We plan on contesting this," they said.

Murray told Patch that the public hearing was the first in her experience in which a police commissioner testified against an application due to safety concerns, illustrating the severity of the problems caused by the club.

"I think this decision is a victory for neighbors who want to see the community of Levittown prosper and not be known as a den of criminality," Murray said. "The neighbors behind Industry have long had complaints about the neighborhood. It’s just not the type of the place that any community would want to have in its midst."

In the letter, Murray and Hudes noted that they publicly expressed their opposition to the application and said they were pleased that the application was denied.

"Though we do not have jurisdiction over applications filed with the board of appeals, we share your concerns about the future of the property and the neighborhood surrounding it," the letter said. "Maintaining a safe and comfortable community is something we can all value, and together we can preserve the excellent suburban character of our hometown, Levittown."