A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to addressing violations at Harvard Convenience Inc., which was found to have violated Massachusetts General Law by allowing alcohol consumption on the premises and operating casino slot machines and betting. This establishment had been operational for less than a year. The board was particularly concerned about the deliberate nature of the violations, as drinking occurred in an area not designated for public access. In response, the board proposed a 10-day suspension, emphasizing the need for compliance from such a new business. Concerns about the character and fitness of the management were raised, with a proposal for an informational hearing to further assess the establishment’s operations. A board member stated, “Given the fact that they don’t seem to have even tried to follow the law in the short time they’re open, my vote would be for a 10-day suspension.”

Another point of discussion involved an incident at Big Causeway LLC, doing business as Big Night Live, on October 19, 2024. The board reviewed additional video evidence related to an assault and battery incident, focusing on the venue’s security measures. While no clear violation was determined, concerns were expressed about the responsibilities of security personnel and promoters, particularly in managing dispersals and interactions with patrons outside the venue. The board suggested a meeting with Big Night’s property manager and security team to clarify these responsibilities and improve cooperation. The need for enhanced communication and clarity regarding security expectations was emphasized.

In a separate matter, the board addressed the failure of licensed establishments to preserve video evidence in serious incidents. A board member commented on the importance of this responsibility, stating, “It’s not okay… to say we didn’t preserve the video because the police weren’t filing.” While no violations were issued in the discussed case, the board documented the failure to preserve video in the case file.

The board also examined several incidents of assault at various locations. Concord Entertainment Inc., doing business as Bills Bar, was found in violation following an assault by an employee on a patron. Concerns were raised about the establishment’s handling of such incidents, with calls for confirmation that staff had undergone de-escalation training. Similarly, Brood Intentions LLC, doing business as The Fourth Wall, faced scrutiny after an employee assaulted a patron. The board agreed that a violation occurred and highlighted the lack of intervention from other staff members, leading to a call for additional training.

In addition to addressing violations, the board approved multiple license changes and new applications. Mara Corp, doing business as Jo Restaurant, received approval for an amended license description to include two contiguous restaurant spaces. Top Tier Enterprise Inc, doing business as Home Market, was granted a change in license category to a retail package store for all alcoholic beverages, with conditions regarding layout changes. The board also approved the transfer of a license from Immersive Art Space Boston LLC to My Isaka LLC at a new location.

Further approvals included various applications from Treehouse Brewing Company Inc for different licensing types. New common victualer license requests from SE Latte Cafe LLC, 242 Cambridge Street LLC, and others were granted, with hours of operation varying by establishment. Amendments to existing licenses were also approved, including a capacity update for Chop Corp and operating hour changes for Pressed Juicery Inc and M Inc.