One of the central issues discussed involved Garos Columbia, operating under Zaak KF L LLC, located on Bennington Street, East Boston. The complaint centered on an incident from December 2, 2024, when Boston Police responded to reports of loud music past 11:00 PM, surpassing the city’s noise ordinance limit of 50 decibels. Officers, including Sergeant Detective William Gallagher, recorded the noise at 67 decibels upon their arrival.

During the hearing, Garos Columbia’s representative, Miss Panz, disputed the allegations, asserting that the noise complaints were not solely their responsibility. Panz argued that other nearby businesses contributed to the noise and mentioned ongoing efforts with the police to address the issue. She emphasized having upgraded their soundproofing measures and offered to assist neighbors with soundproofing their windows, an offer which had been declined. Panz stated her commitment to resolving the problem, expressing her willingness to directly engage with neighbors despite their reluctance to communicate.

Board members, including Director Kathleen Joyce, questioned Panz about the nature of the entertainment during the incident. Panz clarified that only background music was played, with no live entertainment.

Detective Gallagher corroborated the quiet nature of the night, which made the music more prominent. He acknowledged Garos Columbia’s cooperation in responding to previous complaints. However, the board sought clarification on the locations of sound meter readings and the context of videos submitted by Panz.

The discussion touched on the effectiveness of soundproofing measures, with Panz describing soundproof material installed above the glass door. Still, the board noted a sound level of 75 decibels when the door was opened. Panz cited noise from other establishments and street traffic as additional challenges. Director Joyce urged Panz to implement more proactive measures to monitor sound levels and assess the noise’s impact on the community. The dialogue also revealed that complaints primarily stemmed from one neighbor, who preferred not to engage directly with Garos Columbia.

The board encouraged Panz to enhance communication with the community and suggested facilitating dialogue to address concerns. Panz reiterated her intent to improve soundproofing and resolve complaints while defending her business from ongoing scrutiny.

In Hyde Park, the Boston Licensing Board examined a noise complaint against Boston Restaurant Bar and Grill LLC, located on River Street. The incident occurred on November 26, 2024, when Detective Michael Sullivan reported loud music audible from the police station, situated at a considerable distance. Upon arriving at 1:00 a.m., Sullivan noted very loud music and a DJ speaking, despite the establishment’s doors and windows being closed. The noise levels exceeded the limits stipulated by the entertainment license, which mandated noise levels not to exceed 70 decibels and 50 decibels between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m.

The establishment’s representative, Durn, highlighted a dispute between DJs as a potential factor influencing the complaint. Durn explained that she was not present at the time of the incident but had instructed the DJ to maintain a specific volume level. She expressed confusion regarding the entertainment license, noting an update but lacking documentation for an extension to 1:00 a.m., which she believed should align with the alcohol license.

The board inquired about the staff’s role in monitoring sound levels in Durn’s absence. She acknowledged the restaurant’s design challenges, with large windows near the DJ setup, and implemented measures to check volume every half hour. Durn suggested staff use an app to monitor sound levels and expressed her commitment to compliance after the police warning, stating her discomfort with being summoned for such issues.

The board clarified that the establishment’s current entertainment license permitted operations only until midnight, and any extension to 1:00 a.m. required an amendment. Durn agreed to review her records for relevant correspondence and vowed to provide the necessary documentation.