The meeting commenced with a detailed review of an assault and battery incident at New Moon Villa Restaurant, operated by Jan Hung Inc. The altercation, which involved a dangerous weapon and left two patrons injured, occurred on October 27, 2023. The board emphasized the need for a examination of the establishment’s handling of the situation and the subsequent response to law enforcement. An attorney representing New Moon Villa acknowledged a lack of preparation for the hearing and requested a postponement to provide comprehensive testimony. The board agreed, continuing the matter to the next hearing date.

Officer Sarah Drew’s police report provided a vivid account of the events that night. Officers responded to a call about a fight at approximately 3:25 a.m. Upon arrival, they encountered resistance from the staff, who claimed the altercation had ended and the suspects had departed. However, officers observed one of the victims, Scarlet Delva, with blood on her shirt. Delva had been struck in the head with a glass, and another patron, Skyler, sustained deep lacerations on his scalp. Delva described a group of males harassing a drag queen, leading to Skyler’s intervention and subsequent aggression from the group. The altercation saw one male using a glass as a weapon and another striking with a chair. Boston EMS transported Skyler to the hospital for treatment.

The board scrutinized the staff’s initial response to the police and their cooperation during the investigation. There was significant concern over the staff’s attempt to downplay the incident. The operator’s representative argued that the staff had called 911 during the argument and did not intend to obstruct the police. Additionally, the board raised issues regarding the establishment’s video surveillance system. It was revealed that though the restaurant had cameras, there were difficulties accessing the footage, controlled by the operator’s daughter. Despite multiple requests from the police, the footage was not provided. The board stressed the operator’s responsibility to preserve video evidence during serious incidents and expressed frustration over the delays.

In another major topic, the board examined an incident at Lolita Boston LLC, operating as Lolita Cocina and Tequila Bar, involving a medical emergency call made on December 7, 2023. Officer Powell from the Boston Police Department testified about responding to a report of an unconscious female patron, Rebecca Han, found at the base of a flight of stairs near the bathrooms. Han sustained serious but non-life-threatening injuries, including a laceration to the back of her head. Witness Isabelle Bruno, a coworker of Han, reported that they had consumed half drinks before Han went to the bathroom. Approximately 20 minutes later, Bruno discovered Han unconscious. Han was transported to a medical facility for further treatment.

Attorney William Burke, representing Lolita, questioned Officer Powell regarding the staff’s cooperation during the investigation and any signs of intoxication among the staff or patrons. Powell confirmed the staff’s cooperation and the absence of intoxication. Lolita’s representative, Mark Malatesta, detailed the establishment’s internal investigation, confirming that the patrons involved had consumed a total of two drinks each before the incident. The establishment had upgraded their security measures, and the door at the top of the stairs, which was supposed to lock automatically, was found open. Chairwoman Joyce inquired about the circumstances leading to this and clarified the sequence of events. The board requested video footage for further review and took the matter under advisement.

The meeting also addressed an incident at Hub Hall on June 6, 2024, where Jack Seidler, under 21, was found consuming alcohol. Detective Hernandez reported that Seidler produced a fraudulent New Jersey driver’s license, which was confiscated. The establishment, acknowledging the infraction, implemented corrective measures, including removing alcohol from the specific counter involved, retraining staff, and purchasing ID scanners. Commissioner Curran questioned the oversight, emphasizing caution during high-profile events like the NBA Finals. The board discussed alternative measures such as wristbands to manage alcohol consumption during large events.

Another notable discussion involved A & B Burgers, where an overcrowding violation occurred on June 6, 2024, with the establishment found accommodating 184 patrons despite a capacity of 168. Thomas Holland, representing A & B Burgers, cited staffing shortages and challenges during the NBA Finals. The board suggested lowering capacity during large events to ensure compliance and safety.

The board also briefly addressed the closure of Loyal 9, with Carolyn Conway informing the board of an agreement to sell the license to the landlord, with proceeds going to victims of a recent incident. The board took this matter under advisement.