The meeting commenced with the acknowledgement of an absent third board member and the confirmation that Michael Pereira would act as a voting member for the session. The board reviewed an entertainment permit request from Paul Lopes for “Freestyle Madness,” a live music event set to take place at the Gates of the City. Lopes assured the board that all necessary safety personnel, including police and fire services, had been briefed and were prepared for the event. The event, featuring multiple artists performing from 4:00 p.m. to approximately 11:00 p.m., would have liquor catered by a licensed vendor.

Board member Mike Pereira inquired about security measures for the event. Lopes detailed a comprehensive security plan, including wristbands for alcohol consumption, 20 security personnel, metal detectors at each entrance, and a police detail coordinated with Captain Fado. Lopes emphasized his extensive experience in organizing events without incident and noted that the event would attract an older crowd. After confirming that temporary fencing would be installed for crowd control, the board approved the permit unanimously.

Following “Freestyle Madness,” the board addressed a request from Megan dos Santos for a one-day liquor permit for Holy Name School’s annual fundraiser on October 5, 2024. Dos Santos confirmed the event’s operating hours from 12:00 noon to 8:00 p.m. and stated that prior arrangements had been made with police for safety compliance. The board approved this permit after a brief discussion.

Next, the board considered a request from Rosemary Gil for a one-day liquor permit for “An Evening with Maria L. Alon,” hosted by the Zitan Performing Arts Center in collaboration with Bristol Community College on November 1, 2024. The event would occur from 6:00 p.m. to around 10:00 or 11:00 p.m., with security managed by Bristol Community College Police and private security. This permit was also approved without dissent.

Max Le Point sought a one-day liquor permit for the grand opening of Taste of Paradise, located at 1335-1345 Pleasant Street, initially proposed for October 18, 2024. During the discussion, confusion arose regarding the exact date of the event. Le Point clarified that the grand opening was actually scheduled for October 26, 2024. The board ultimately approved the permit for the revised date.

The meeting then turned to Alexandria Masado and Patty Rios, who presented a request for two separate one-day liquor permits for the Fabric Arts Festival on October 10 and 11, 2024. Masado described the festival as a dinner and live performance event to celebrate its fifth edition in the city. The board sought clarity on the event’s structure and security arrangements. It was established that a bartender with a catering license from Rhode Island would be present, and police details had been arranged. Concerns about a potential conflict of interest were raised but dismissed. The board approved these permits unanimously after some discussion.

The board then reviewed an application for a Class 2 wholesale-only license by CT Auto Sales, represented by Al Sorus. Sorus confirmed his seven years of experience in the field and that there were no issues with his prior licensing history. The board approved his application without opposition.

The status of Bethany’s license, held in escrow since 2019 due to issues with the Fall River Police Department, was also discussed. Attorney Arthur Frank, representing Bethany Shaker, explained that she was looking to exit her business, Jake’s New Time Saloon, and had potential tenants interested in taking over the space. The prospective tenants, who were in the bakery business, needed the current license transferred to operate legally. The board expressed no issues with allowing the tenants to file the necessary paperwork for the license transfer but emphasized the need for urgency in resolving past issues.

Finally, the board reviewed renewal dates for various licenses, including Class 1, 2, and 3 licenses, lodging houses, and fortune tellers. Notifications would be sent out by October 1st with filings due by October 31st, allowing for licenses to be picked up on December 10th. For alcohol-related licenses, notifications would be sent on November 1st, with a return deadline of November 29th. The new renewal dates were approved unanimously.