A Rockland County business operated as a printing company by day - and an illegal nightclub at night.

The new Rockland County Office of Buildings & Codes says a shirt printing shop located at 42 Grove St. has been functioning as an unlicensed nightclub for several years.

Director Edward Markunas says a complaint sent inspectors to the building, where they found people charging admission for an illegal party - with dancers, alcohol and hookahs.

News 12 couldn't see inside, but Markunas says it wasn't designed as a party space.

The shop owner has been hit with violations before and hasn't shown up for court. The building owner now faces 10 violations, including blocking exits.

Buildings Director Edward Markunas says having parties in a shop designed for making T-shirts isn't safe. He says it is the latest example of problems left by the dysfunctional Spring Valley Building Department.

The state ordered the county to take over inspections this month from the Spring Valley Building Department after a fire almost a year ago that killed volunteer firefighter Jared Lloyd.

Markunas says the​ tenant has been cited twice since August 2021 but failed to appear in court - that's why the office is now citing the property owner. 

The shirt shop owner, who wouldn't give his name, told News 12 late Wednesday night his store isn't even called Sharp Shirt anymore. He says he submitted paperwork with the village in August to allow gatherings there.

He says he's been in business in the county over 20 years and has done a lot of good, but can't survive just printing shirts.

He says his attorneys will fight this because he thinks it's another example of the village's mismanagement of its Building Department.  

Those who wish to submit a complaint can call 845-364-3700 or email buildingsandcodes@co.rockland.ny.us.