Poughkeepsie's Exempt Firemen’s Association loses its liquor license after a string of violence and crime at the establishment.

The State Liquor authority suspended the club's license after an investigation; it says uncovered illegal drug use, sale, and gambling from January to June.

This was all prompted by a fatal shooting outside the club after a party back in January. The Exempt Firemen’s Association is being charged with a total of 13 violations of the ABC Law.

Some of violations by the club include the presence of crack cocaine for sale and marijuana use, illegal dice games, and the sale of alcohol for off premises consumption. The SLA also says the club's alcoholic beverage control officer; Chris Petsas took part in many of the illegal activities mentioned.

Pestas is an elected member of the Poughkeepsie City Council, and was the officer assigned to control and monitor the compliance of the Exempt Firemen's association with state laws.

The Exempt Fireman’s Association has been licensed since 1933, and is the first club license issued within Dutchess County. Their license was meant to be used for non-profits who can only serve alcohol to members of the association within their premises.

The organization is not affiliated with the local fire department or any other Career Departments in Dutchess County.