Iconic Brooklyn metal bar Saint Vitus shuttered over building violation: ‘We’re shell-shocked’
NY Post
An iconic Brooklyn venue that has become a staple of the city’s once-vibrant hardcore music scene has been shuttered indefinitely after building department inspectors slapped it with a violation Friday night during a live band’s show.
Saint Vitus Bar in Greenpoint shut down in the middle of a set by hardcore band Mindforce with staff ushering patrons and band members out after building inspectors found it was illegally operating as a bar.
“We’re shell-shocked,” one of the owners told a Post reporter who knocked on the establishment’s door Monday. “We’ve been here 13 years so we’re still processing. But we’re trying to expedite everything.”
The bar owner, who declined to give his name, said he and his partners are working with the proper authorities to get the beloved venue back up and running as soon as possible.
“We are saddened and deeply frustrated by the circumstances and are working to remedy the situation as fast as we can,” Saint Vitus Bar later posted on its Instagram. “The closure is temporary, but we want to address everything that directly affects our community of artists and fans alike.”
A slew of bands who had upcoming performances at the Manhattan Avenue bar were left scrambling to find new venues to switch their shows to. Saint Vitus staff have been helping the bands book new venues and assisting ticket holders.
