Chelsea Sex Shop Denied Liquor License

CHELSEA, New York — Splosh Sexy Boutique, a hybrid sex shop/café, was denied a liquor license this week by a local community board.  

According to reports, dozens of irate neighbors appeared at the CB4’s Business and Licenses and Permits Committee meeting on Tuesday to protest the license, fearing that the booze-equipped shop could be parlayed into a hub for raucous parties and prostitution.

Locals said that the Chelsea neighborhood already hosts a high concentration of sex shops, which have historically attracted male and female prostitutes. 

The committee voted unanimously to ask the State Liquor Authority not to grant Splosh/Splash a license. 

Store owner Dumesh Kankanamalage’s lawyer Boris Sorin argued that the space previously operated as an Indian restaurant with a liquor license and could still benefit the public with “white cloth [and] full service staff.” 

Opponents noted that because the store’s kitchen is located in the far rear, food would have to travel through the retail store (past toys, lingerie and lube) to reach diners.

Sorin also negated suggestions of impending hooliganism, saying that Splosh would not have private viewing booths and would have 38 security cameras along with a full security team, including bouncers. 

The store at 155 Eighth Ave. opened in November and offers a bevy of sexual products and outdoor seating and a tentative upstairs bar, but has yet to serve food.  

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

So Divine Pleasure Products Now Available Through Currys

U.K.-based electronics retailer Currys is now carrying products from pleasure brand So Divine.

Orion Debuts 'Velvet Luxury Bed' Sex Machine From You2Toys Line

Orion Wholesale has introduced the Velvet Luxury Bed sex machine from its You2Toys line.

MyHixel Debuts ED 'Ring'

Men's sexual wellness brand MyHixel has introduced its new ED Ring.

Kiiroo Debuts 'PleasureDrive' Sex Machine

Kiiroo has introduced its PleasureDrive sex machine.

Doc Johnson Introduces New Richelle Ryan Strokers

Doc Johnson has debuted two new Richelle Ryan stroker sleeves.

Orion Expands 'Couples Choice' Line With New Thrusting Vibrator

Orion Wholesale has added a new thrusting G- and P-Spot stimulator to its Couples Choice collection.

Holiday Now Shipping 'Calla' From Zalo's 'Aurora' Collection

Holiday Products is now shipping Calla, the latest addition to Zalo USA's Aurora Series.

Blush Unveils 'Dr. Brody' Thrusting Vibrator

Blush has introduced the new Dr. Brody thrusting vibrator from its Dr. Skin collection.

Hankey's Toys Debuts 'Chastity Cage' Dildo, 'Breed'R Cum' Lube

Mr. Hankey's Toys has introduced its new Teddy Bryce Chastity Cage dildo and Breed’R Cum lube.

Lady Bonnd, Sugar & Sas Sign Exclusive US Distro Deal

Sugar & Sas has been named the exclusive U.S. distributor of Lady Bonnd pleasure products.

Show More