Jay-Z's club closed over faulty fridge

Rapper Jay-Z's New York sports bar was closed just hours after its grand re-opening this week (begs16Jan12) when health officials discovered a faulty refrigerator.

The Empire State of Mind hitmaker made his first appearance since becoming a first-time father for the big launch of Manhattan's 40/40 Club on Wednesday (18Jan12).

He unveiled the hotspot's new renovations ahead of its public opening on Thursday (19Jan12), but officials at the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene were forced to temporarily shut down the club for a food violation.

Now, Ron Berkowitz, a representative for the venue, reveals a faulty fridge was to blame for the violation.

He tells TMZ.com the temperature in a fridge rose after the motor was damaged - and the club was permitted to re-open on Friday (20Jan12) after the issue was fixed.