Rap mogul Jay-Z will open a sprawling, high-end sports bar inside the Barclays Center — but neighbors have 99 problems with a plan to serve booze until 2 am at the posh lounge.
The Brooklyn-born superstar plans to launch a Kings County version of his popular Manhattan venue the 40/40 Club inside the new Nets arena, complete with a 350-seat restaurant and a space for events.
“There is no better home for [it],” Jay-Z said last week.
But frustrated neighbors claim Barclays Center operators evaded mandatory public review by applying for a single liquor license for the entire arena — and only revealing their plan to allow “luxury” vendors such as the 40/40 Club to sell booze until 2 am after gaining the endorsement of Community Board 6.
By avoiding mention of the late last call at high-end clubs and private suites, the arena avoided scrutiny, said Park Slope resident Steve Ettinger.
“Barclays withheld information — and violated the letter and the spirit of the law,” Ettinger said. “They should be held accountable.”
Barclays Center spokeswoman Mandy Gutmann said the 18,200-seat stadium qualifies as a venue that requires only a single liquor license even though it will house multiple booze vendors.
“The license we are seeking is for all establishments in the arena,” she said.
The planned 40/40 Club will open by Septembers near a stretch of private suites overlooking the court with 36 TVs and a food menu. The lounge will not seek a cabaret license for dancing and it’s unclear if the venue will have bottle service, which it offers at its Manhattan branch.
Lauren Menache, a spokeswoman for the 40/40 Club, could not be reached for comment by press time.
Neighbors of the soon-to-open home of the Brooklyn Nets have protested several planned bars around the arena, fearing unruly hoops fans will keep them up at night after games.
Some Park Slope residents plan to storm a June 20 State Liquor Authority hearing to voice their displeasure with the proposed 2 am last call for alcohol at high-end concessions and luxury boxes.
Fans in the bleachers won’t be able to buy beer after the start of the fourth quarter, following standard NBA policy.
Reach reporter Natalie O'Neill at noneill@cnglocal.com or by calling her at (718) 260-4505.
