Christina Cuomo is reportedly leveraging her family connections to assist Tony Montauk’s popular surf lodge in securing its essential liquor and music license.
The Surf Lodge, located on Long Island and owned by Jayma Cardoso, a former colleague of Governor Andrew Cuomo’s, faced challenges to its licensing in 2019 amid disputes between state liquor officials and local authorities.
Cardoso sought the former governor’s support and, through her connection to Chris Cuomo—Christina’s husband—she sent an email to Vincent Bradley, the then-chairman of the State Liquor Authority, who had been appointed by Andrew Cuomo.
It sounded a bit playful when the venue owner mentioned that Christina had emailed Cardoso, implying she had discussed the licensing issue with Chris.
“Hopefully, Chris Cuomo can talk to his brother to help smooth things over with the chairman. Fingers crossed!!! Happy New Year!”
Christina organized events at the Surf Lodge, and Andrew Cuomo, who resigned as governor in 2021 due to multiple allegations, hosted a reelection fundraiser there in June 2018.
On February 6, 2019, Christina penned a letter addressed to Bradley on behalf of Cardoso.
“Dear Vincent, I hope you’re well. From my husband Chris, I received your email relayed by my brother-in-law, Governor Andrew Cuomo,” Christina noted.
She explained that she was writing on behalf of her “friend and fellow Brazilian,” Cardoso.
The SLA indicated it might revoke live music at the venue unless it could retain its liquor license, as per the proposed resolution outlined in her letter.
Cardoso suggested enhancing security and access at the venue to address concerns, Christina relayed to the SLA Chair.
The owners were also willing to scale back live music from seven evenings a week to just three, ending performances by 8 PM as part of a compromise.
In her letter, Christina expressed, “Jayma has introduced Grammy-winning music and cultural activities to the Hamptons community for 11 years, contributing to Montauk’s growing tourism.”
She shared, “I cherish our family vacations on the East End, along with the cultural experiences that make the Hamptons even more enjoyable,” noting her engagement with a health and wellness platform that operates in both the city and Hamptons.
“We truly appreciate the consideration for preserving art and culture at the Surf Lodge and in the Hamptons.”
She also included her phone number in case Bradley wanted to discuss anything further.
Ultimately, the SLA license was renewed. As part of an agreement, the lodge owner paid a civil penalty of $55,000 and limited music to three nights weekly, agreeing to conclude performances by 8 PM.
State Republican Senator George Borello criticized Christina’s letter, suggesting it failed an ethical review.
“The letter carries the name Cuomo, and that’s obvious,” Borello remarked, reflecting on his own experiences facing the SLA as a restaurant owner.
“Andrew Cuomo portrayed himself as an ethical leader during his governorship. This type of influence seems quite hypocritical for the Cuomo family,” he added.
Despite this, Christina defended her actions, stating she simply aimed to support friends within the Hamptons community.
“She was at risk of losing her music license,” Christina noted. “I did nothing wrong,” she asserted.
Cardoso did not respond to requests for comments.
As for Andrew Cuomo, he remains in the spotlight as he campaigns in the New York City mayoral Democratic primary.
His campaign has dismissed any claims that he intervened regarding the Surf Lodge based on his sister-in-law’s communications, with a representative stating they were unaware of the situation and calling it insignificant.
“We had no knowledge of this matter; the letter from seven years ago surfacing just weeks before the election illustrates how desperate some people can be. This is really a low point,” the representative remarked.
