María Antonia Cay, better known as Toñita, is an icon in the Williamsburg community.
For over 40 years it has kept the doors of the Caribbean Social Club open and serves free food daily to the community.
“And they have a good time, they have a family time because once they walk in that door, it’s not a club anymore, it’s not a bar anymore, it’s like part of one’s home,” Cay said.
On May 27, the establishment received five fines after an inspection by the state Liquor department.
The fines were for not having corresponding signs posted on the walls and for not maintaining a physical account book, among other things.
“They are going to close the site, they are going to close the site. It’s everyone’s fear,” Cay added.
The day after our interview, Toñita appeared in court in front of a judge. The community was outside supporting her and protesting so that they did not close the premises.
“From the youth, from the elderly, from all over the world there was support and it was very nice,” said Cay.
The judge removed all the fines and Toñita says that this experience taught her a lot.
“Actually it was that I did not have some signs that are required by law and there I learned that I have to have them in their place.”
Given the news, his clients say they are calm and happy.
“The truth is that I am very happy, because I tell you that anyone who is Puerto Rican, who lives here, would have been outraged. And to know that she’s now out of trouble, everybody’s going to be happy,” Melanie Del Toro said.
What makes Toñita happy is being able to continue her legacy in this temple that pays homage to Puerto Rican culture.
“The most important thing is to have the youth here, the older ones also calm and in a place where they can be as a family.”
2023-07-06 18:35:00
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