Eataly To Pay $500K Fine, Close Wine Store For Six Months
As part of a settlement regarding Eataly's "interlocking interests" amongst its restaurants and "false material statements," the Batali and Bastianich Hospitality Group agreed on Tuesday, March 25th to pay a fine of $500,000 to the New York State Liquor Authority.
Crain's reports that the settlement also demands the closure of Eataly's wine store for six months, as a result of Batali's alleged suppression of information about "the wholesale or manufacturing interests of his business partners."
Although Batali and Bastianich initially pled not guilty to the charges, they withdrew the plea in favor of settling. Additionally, Lidia Bastianich will be removed from Eataly's liquor license.
The liquor authority has not yet determined when Eataly's suspension will begin. The ruling from the SLA will not affect any of Eataly's restaurants or Batali's other restaurants in New York City.
Karen Lo is an associate editor at The Daily Meal. Follow her on Twitter @appleplexy.