NEWBURGH – For the second time in March, Newburgh City Police have shut down an illegal food establishment.

Just before midnight on Friday, March 25, police and fire officials conducted a premise check of an illegal business at 110 William Street. They went there after several neighborhood complaints of loud noise, drinking, criminal mischief and physical altercations.

Police found deejay equipment, patrons drinking beer and mixed drinks, food being cooked and served, and coolers filled with beer and alcohol.

The operator of the establishment, Michael Mcleod, 49, of Newburgh could produce no business or tax certificates, liquor licenses or permits to serve alcohol, or a health department certificate to cook and serve food.

He was charged with selling liquor without a license as a misdemeanor. The fire department also noted several additional code violations.

Two weeks ago on March 11, police and fire officials shut down a similar operation at 45 South Lander Street. Operated in a similar fashion, proprietors were charging a cover charge at the door, selling food and allowing on premise consumption of alcohol.

Devon Smith, 44, of the Bronx, was operating the establishment that night and charged with selling liquor without a license.

The fire department found serious electrical code violations and were force to have Central Hudson cut the power supply to the building.

The investigation is continuing into both locations and additional charges and fines are expected. Anyone with additional information into those or other illegal business operations is asked to call Newburgh City Police at 845-561-3131.