Showfish, the popular late-night hangout at the Montauk Yacht Club, experienced a sudden and unexpected shutdown over the weekend when several police officers arrived at the scene. The presence of law enforcement caused panic among partygoers, who described the situation as reminiscent of a raid. The lights were abruptly turned on, prompting staff to evacuate everyone from the premises. This resulted in a chaotic scene in the parking lot, as intoxicated revelers desperately attempted to secure an Uber ride, only to be faced with limited cell service and exorbitant prices for the car service.
Cell Service Woes and Soaring Uber Prices
The Hamptons, including the Montauk area, is notorious for its unreliable cell service. Consequently, many partygoers found themselves unable to connect to any network, making it impossible to request an Uber. Those fortunate enough to have a functioning cell phone or access to the venue’s WiFi faced another challenge: skyrocketing Uber prices. As Page Six reported, a 10-minute ride cost a staggering $56.90, a significant increase attributed to the sudden surge in demand. Additionally, some individuals shared their unfortunate experiences of waiting for an hour and paying $100 for a ride.
Clarification From Montauk Police Chief
Montauk Police Chief Michael Sarlo clarified the events leading to the closure of Showfish. He stated that the establishment had exceeded its maximum occupancy when responding to a noise complaint alongside an East Hampton Town Fire Marshal. In an effort to alleviate the overcrowding and prevent further guests from entering, the management decided to clear out the patrons. Chief Sarlo emphasized that it was not the police department who directly shut down the venue. Instead, the decision to evacuate the premises was made by the establishment itself, likely to avoid receiving a citation. Efforts to contact a local fire marshal for further clarification were unsuccessful, and Showfish declined to provide a comment.
Disgruntled Guests Stranded
The sudden closure of Showfish left numerous guests stranded and scrambling for transportation. With limited options available and the absence of a functioning Uber service for many, frustration grew among the stranded partygoers. Some individuals resorted to pleading with random people to offer them a ride, as they were left with no other alternatives. The chaotic and perplexing situation further highlighted the challenges faced by those in attendance.
In an unexpected turn of events, the lively atmosphere at Showfish turned into a chaotic scene when police officers arrived. The subsequent evacuation of the premises left partygoers struggling to secure transportation in an area with notoriously spotty cell service. The exorbitant surge pricing for Uber rides added to the perplexity of the situation. Montauk Police Chief Michael Sarlo clarified that it was the establishment’s decision to clear out the patrons, indicating their attempt to avoid potential citations. As disgruntled guests found themselves stranded, the incident served as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of nightlife in popular hotspots.