POUGHKEEPSIE — The Derby, a popular bar among college students at 96 Main Street, was raided early Sunday morning by City of Poughkeepsie police, city building and fire departments, and the State Liquor Authority (SLA) following community complaints about underage drinking. Authorities said about 47 patrons were inside at the time of the raid, which occurred around 1 a.m.
Poughkeepsie police released a statement Monday afternoon on social media clarifying the reasons for the raid, after rumors began circulating in the community.
The Derby reopened for business less than two hours after police publicized its closure, following an inspection by a city deputy building inspector and fire inspector.
Detective Lt. Sean McCarthy said about 20 percent (approximately nine of the 47 patrons) of the people were underage at the time of the raid. Derby co-owner Joe Rabasco told that underage patrons used fake IDs that were scanned by security with an SLA-approved device. “We make every effort to keep underage people out, but new technology allows minors to get official-looking IDs that even fool state-recommended scanners. There’s virtually no way for our staff to spot fake IDs that are fooling the scanners, which is troublesome,” Rabasco said.
Police arrested two bartenders during the raid and charged them with unlawfully dealing with a child, a misdemeanor.
Inspectors from the fire and building departments found multiple code violations at 96 Main Street, prompting the city to deem the establishment unsafe and close it abruptly. On Monday, inspectors confirmed that corrective measures had been taken and allowed the bar to reopen.
Rabasco decided to wait until Tuesday at 11 a.m. to open the doors and serve his patrons.
The New York State Liquor Authority’s investigation is ongoing, authorities said.
The Derby raid follows a surprise inspection and the closure of Play Coffee, Cafe, Gallery, and Lounge at 188 Main Street, which was shut down on April 10 for not having a certificate of occupancy. The business has remained closed since the late-night inspection. Police said the recent raids are part of an effort to address quality-of-life concerns and ensure community safety.
Anyone with information about criminal activity is asked to contact the City of Poughkeepsie Police Department at (845) 451-4060. Anonymous tips can be submitted through the department’s confidential tip line at (845) 451-7577.
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