Smithtown bar deemed unsafe after police cite bartender in underage alcohol case

Suffolk County police deemed a Hauppauge pool hall and sports bar unsafe for human occupancy after a July 3 inspection at Felt / 1823 Bar & Lounge on the Smithtown Bypass turned up liquor, electrical and fire code problems. The action landed during the county’s July Fourth enforcement period and followed numerous community complaints.

Bartender Ethan Semevolos-Bullock, 29, of Kings Park, was issued a field appearance ticket on two counts of unlawful dealing with a child in the first degree. Fourth Precinct Crime Section officers took part in the inspection along with the New York State Liquor Authority and the Town of Smithtown Fire Marshal.

State liquor regulators cited the business for multiple violations and issued summonses. The fire marshal found numerous electrical and fire code violations and declared the location unsafe for human occupancy, a finding that can immediately affect whether a venue can keep operating while repairs and inspections are sorted out.

The liquor-license record identifies the business as 573 Hauppauge Inc., doing business as Felt, with a registered address at 573 Nesconset Highway, also listed as the Smithtown Bypass, in Hauppauge. The license was issued June 18, 2024.

Under New York Penal Law § 260.20, unlawfully dealing with a child in the first degree applies when a person knowingly permits someone under 18 to remain in a place where sexual activity or controlled-substance activity is maintained or conducted. The charge is an E felony. The allegation against Semevolos-Bullock remains an accusation, not a finding of guilt.

Fire marshals are New York State peace officers charged with enforcing national, state and local fire-prevention laws. The town’s Building Department issues certificates of occupancy.

In Port Jefferson Station, a separate July 2026 liquor-authority inspection at Infinite Lounge followed community complaints and led to four employees being cited.