NY barkeep famed for flaming liquor stunt arrested

[June 15, 2010]  NEW YORK (AP) -- A barkeep whose flaming liquor show was featured in "Real Housewives of New York City" has been arrested for performing the fiery feat.

 Authorities said undercover fire marshals arrested the barkeep about 2 a.m. Sunday after he set alight Apotheke's bar top, where he had poured various liquors. Chief Fire Marshal Robert Byrnes said the stunt sparked a "huge fireball."

Fire officials said the flames created a danger for the dozens of people at the Chinatown bar.

The 40-year-old man was described as a "cocktail artist" on the bar's website. He told The New York Times that he is a mixologist, not "a pyrotechnic maniac."

The bartender was arrested on two counts of misdemeanor reckless endangerment.

[Associated Press]

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