Boston Licensing Board Navigates Assault Incidents and License Amendments
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Meeting Type:
Licensing Board
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Meeting Date:
05/23/2024
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Recording Published:
05/23/2024
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Duration:
33 Minutes
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Towns:
Boston
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County:
Suffolk County
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State:
Massachusetts
- Meeting Overview:
The Boston Licensing Board recently convened to address several incidents involving licensed establishments as well as a host of transactional matters concerning license changes and transfers. The meeting was marked by decisions on assault and battery cases, with one establishment receiving a violation due to overcapacity and hindering enforcement agents. Additionally, there was a discussion on a license cancellation hearing for the Russian Benevolence Society, which failed to cure a defect in their license. The board also handled an extensive list of transactional hearings, approving various license changes and amendments with a focus on community impact.
The most compelling issue at the meeting involved Qu Cleaning Services Inc, which faced allegations of multiple violations. The establishment was found in violation for being over capacity and for hindering enforcement agents. Unlike other cases reviewed during the meeting, this was the only instance where the board found a clear violation, excluding expired licenses or the absence of a manager on the premises.
In contrast, the board assessed several other assault and battery incidents with varying outcomes. At China Pearl Restaurant, an establishment under the operation of MW andw Inc, a debate arose regarding the credibility of the establishment’s report on an assault and battery incident, and their failure to call the police. Despite one commissioner’s concerns leading to a vote for a violation, the board ultimately concluded with a two to one vote against finding a violation. Similarly, Fenway Johnny LLC also faced scrutiny over an assault and battery incident, with the board focusing on the lack of preserved video evidence. The establishment was not found in violation but was mandated to submit written acknowledgment of the importance of preserving video evidence in the future.
Gubin LLC and John J Summers Co-Inc were also on the agenda for assault and battery incidents. Gubin LLC faced a serious charge involving a dangerous weapon but was not found in violation. John J Summers Co-Inc was discussed in two separate items, with the first incident not resulting in a violation and the second concerning overcrowding. For the latter, the board issued a first warning due to the absence of a prior history of violations.
The board’s deliberations extended to Brewed Intentions LLC, where a violation was found for underage possession of alcohol. This too resulted in a first warning.
A particularly sensitive matter was the cancellation hearing for the Russian Benevolent Society, which faced the potential cancellation of its license. The board considered requests for additional time to address the license defect, deliberating on the reasonableness of granting such extensions.
The meeting also encompassed a substantial segment on transactional hearings, where the board approved multiple license changes and transfers. The board underscored the need for a complete application and community process by June 10th for a transactional hearing on June 26th. Businesses such as gongcha, Trillio, Northeastern University, Parm Copley LLC, and several others saw approvals for license changes or transfers.
The board proceeded to approve amendments for a series of businesses and changes to existing licenses, which included a diverse array of entities from restaurants and catering companies to dormitories and lodging houses. Notable amendments included those for Boston Cappies Inc, Sammy Carlos Delicatessen and Catering Inc, and Land of Beer Mass LLC, among others. The board also sanctioned a one-day amendment for Notch Brighton Tap Room LLC and administratively approved a list of applications for special one-day alcoholic beverages licenses.
Michelle Wu
Licensing Board Officials:
Liam Curran, Keeana Saxon, Kathleen Joyce, Daniel R. Green
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Meeting Type:
Licensing Board
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Committee:
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Meeting Date:
05/23/2024
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Recording Published:
05/23/2024
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Duration:
33 Minutes
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Notability Score:
Routine
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State:
Massachusetts
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County:
Suffolk County
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Towns:
Boston
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