East Hampton cites Montauk's Barlume Beach resort, says it lacked key operating permits

East Hampton Town has issued summonses to a waterfront resort complex in Montauk for allegedly operating without required approvals, as the town attorney’s office weighs whether to pursue legal action against the owner.

The town alleges that Barlume Beach, a 19-room hotel, restaurant and day-to-night lounge on the east side of Lake Montauk, lacked a certificate of occupancy, an operational permit for a place of public assembly, site plan approval for an outdoor bar, and a permit for an approximately 30-by-40-foot tent, town spokesperson Patrick Derenze told Newsday. The business also was cited for failing to post occupant loads — a state fire code violation — according to copies of the tickets.

“The pending charges are being pursued through Town Justice Court,” Derenze said in an emailed statement. “The Town Attorney’s Office continues to evaluate the appropriate legal and enforcement options necessary to address the alleged violations and achieve compliance.”

On June 16, the East Hampton Town Board authorized the town attorney’s office to sue the property owner, though no lawsuit has been filed.

Brian Matthews, an East Hampton-based lawyer representing Barlume Beach in justice court, said the business has pleaded not guilty to all of the alleged violations.

“We'll engage in discussions with the town prosecutor and the various town departments to figure out why we think they're not necessarily valid” and “get the issues that the town is raising addressed to everyone's satisfaction,” Matthews said in a phone interview Friday.

Twelve appearance tickets were issued to 435 Operations MTK LLC and 435 East Lake Dr LLC last month in connection with inspections conducted at the Barlume Beach property on June 11, 12, 14 and 21, according to documents provided by the town through a Freedom of Information Law request.

Marketed as capturing the “rhythm of a Mediterranean summer,” the 40,000-square-foot beach club and marina complex opened in May, Newsday previously reported.

The restaurant occupies the former site of Rick’s Crabby Cowboy Cafe. A French bistro, Maison Close, had been slated to open there in 2023 but was destroyed by a fire the day before its debut.

Matthews said the owners rebuilt the restaurant this winter. The resort is also seeking approvals to add a pool, bathhouse, playing court and tent facility, according to planning board meeting minutes.

Barlume Beach is a brand of LDV Hospitality, which also owns a Barlume restaurant in the Flatiron District neighborhood of Manhattan. The company did not return emails requesting comment.

The resort features a Mediterranean-style design with a menu focused on coastal Italian cuisine and shareable seafood dishes, Newsday has reported. At night, the venue shifts to a beach club atmosphere with live music and DJ performances. The property also includes marina slips and offers boat charters.