Usually, when a restaurant closes, it sets a date for final service, and the days leading up to that operate as a sort of wake.
Loyal fans come in to say goodbye to staff, have a last meal, and, if there’s a bar, raise a final glass. It may be sad, but at least there’s an opportunity for closure.
In other cases, a restaurant may simply shut its doors. Customers were served there one day, and then when they arrived the next day, they found the restaurant closed.
Fans of Swifty’s Pub, however, got a different kind of shock on Dec. 4. When they arrived at the chain’s three locations that day, they saw a sign on the door saying that the locations had been seized by New York Tax authorities.
Swifty’s has had longstanding tax problems
Swifty’s was a vaguely Irish pub with a broad menu.
“We opened our doors in June of 2009 and have not looked back since. We have tried to create an atmosphere that is enjoyable and comfortable to both families and sports fans alike,” the chain shared on its website. “When you go out to eat, you want to go where the locals go. Our three locations are known for their tasty meals and bar specials. There’s something for everyone, from salads to pizzas.”
That seems like a reasonable approach, and the chain had a 3.5-star rating on Yelp for its Delmar location, but being accessible and reasonably well-liked did not prove to be enough for continued financial success.
“A sign at the Utica location indicates that the property has been seized for nonpayment of taxes and is now under the possession of the State of New York. The State Department of Taxation and Finance said the owner, Dave Swift, owes a total of $2.2 million,” News Channel 2 New York reported.
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There are 15 warrants dating back to 2016 for unpaid sales and withholding taxes.
Similar signs appeared at the other locations, the Times-Union reported.
The chain’s owner has not commented on the tax issues.
“We’re sorry for any inconvenience‚” Swifty’s official Facebook page said.
Swifty’s Pub has been forced to close all its locations.
Swifty’s Pub tax problem timeline:
- 2016 onward: Multiple tax warrants filed against Swifty’s Pub (owner Dave Swift) for unpaid sales and withholding taxes. Source: Times Union
- June 29, 2022: A large warrant was recorded for $583,839.80 in unpaid sales tax liability. Source: WGNA
- Late 2022-2023: Continued accumulation of unpaid tax liabilities under multiple warrants; a longstanding pattern of non-payment was noted by authorities. Source: Helm News
- Pre-Dec. 2025: Swifty’s Pub reportedly continued operations, including selling gift cards, despite outstanding tax liabilities. Source: WIBX950
- Early Dec. 4, 2025: All Swifty’s Pub locations (Albany/Colonie, Delmar, Utica) seized and closed by state tax authorities; “seized” notices posted. Source: WGNA
- Dec. 5, 2025: State confirms total unpaid taxes/seizure amount of $2.2 million across locations. Source: WIBX950
Unpaid sales taxes have consequences
“In closely held firms, owners face personal liability for unpaid sales taxes due to concentrated control and fiduciary duties under state laws. Failure to collect or remit taxes, particularly when funds are available, can result in individual responsibility beyond the business entity,” shared Attorney Aaron Hall on his website.
New York State’s web page explains how property seizures work.
“If all other attempts to collect your tax debt have failed, we may seize and sell your non-exempt real or personal property at auction to pay your debt. We must file a tax warrant before we seize and sell your property,” the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance shared.
That process is a very serious one.
“During a business seizure, collection agents may have the locks changed at your place of business, denying you access to your place of business and your business assets. Alternatively, agents may remove all of the merchandise at your business, or seize your business assets and store them elsewhere until the assets are sold at auction,” it added.
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