A major focus of the meeting was the request from Four Seasons Chinese Cuisine for a full liquor license. Their representative, identified only as “Y,” explained that the restaurant had a long-standing presence in the community, operating for 20 years under a different name. The commission’s inquiry about the layout confirmed there would be no traditional bar; instead, drinks would be served at tables. This setup was in line with their intention to maintain a family-friendly environment. The commission stressed the importance of following state guidelines, which require local approval before the application is forwarded to the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission (ABCC). “Y” confirmed that the application process with the ABCC had already begun. The necessity for the Gardner Police Department’s input was highlighted to ensure adherence to regulations, and the commission expressed a desire for a police liaison to attend future meetings to provide further guidance. The timeline for opening the establishment was discussed, with “Y” showing eagerness to expedite the process. The commission assured them of the possibility of arranging special meetings to accommodate any urgent needs in the approval process.

Following this, the commission addressed the request from Sawa Asian Cuisine and Lounge for a change of location for their liquor license. The establishment, owned by Kenan and Evelyn, had been operating at their plaza location for approximately 12 to 13 years. They purchased a new building two years ago, intending to provide a larger space for customers and enhance the dining experience. Kenan noted that transferring the existing license, rather than applying for a new one, would be less time-consuming. The commission discussed logistical concerns, including health department approvals and inspections necessary for the new location. The new facility aims to accommodate up to 170 people, including staff, with a division for family dining separate from the takeout and bar service area. The owners expressed readiness to move quickly once all inspections were cleared. A clerical error in the lease was identified during the meeting, but it was resolved without affecting the approval process. The commission unanimously approved the location change, allowing Sawa Asian Cuisine and Lounge to proceed with ABCC review and complete necessary inspections.

In the latter part of the meeting, the commission addressed issues related to Post 905, which faced delays in changing officers due to ongoing Core check complications with the state. It was noted that the ABCC was prepared to move forward once these checks were completed. Additionally, the commission discussed the requirements for crowd control managers at events hosted at Perry Auditorium, which frequently attract large audiences. The absence of a representative from the Gardner Police Department led to the postponement of this discussion until January.

The meeting also included a review of the 2025 ABCC liquor license renewals. The commission commended businesses for their timely submissions, noting that only six applications were pending due to delay in receiving certificates of inspection. They acknowledged that while some inspections had initially failed, the businesses were addressing the issues.