[Updated] Expired health permit temporarily sidelines Joey Bats Café

Photos by Stacie Joy

Updated 4/4: Joey Bats reopened today after paying the fines.

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Joey Bats Café is temporarily closed at 129 Allen St. 

A posted notice from the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene noted that the business was operating without a permit.

Owner  Joey Batista (aka Bats) responded with a message for patrons:

"I forgot to renew the health permit and it expired (Doh)! This means that despite my 'A' rating, I have to stay closed until Monday when the fine can be paid..."

We've seen similar DOH notices at Downtown Bakery on First Avenue (dated Feb. 21) and Mochinut on Second Avenue (dated March 21). Both of those businesses remain closed ... apparently, the city isn't able to expedite these permits any more quickly than five-plus weeks.