The board intends to prioritize applications that enhance local culture, generate employment, increase foot traffic, and fill market gaps. Moreover, the board expressed a preference for areas designated as developmental priorities, such as main streets and transit-oriented districts. Businesses proposing multiple concepts within a single premise will be viewed favorably as they cater to a broader audience, maximizing the license’s impact.

A critical aspect of the board’s strategy involves long-term operational plans, with an emphasis on applicants’ commitment to longevity and proven track records in responsible management and regulatory compliance. The board intends to conduct a review of the approximately 50 to 60 applications received since the legislation’s passage. There was a consensus that early applicants might possess more resources, which could disadvantage those with innovative but less developed proposals. To address this, a motion was proposed and supported to extend the validity of all submitted applications for an additional two years, allowing reevaluation as neighborhood conditions evolve without imposing extra fees on applicants.

In the same meeting, the board discussed various incidents involving local establishments. Boston Leo Corp was the subject of multiple agenda items, including a September 2024 assault and battery incident between an employee and a patron, leading to a second warning due to inadequate de-escalation strategies and non-functioning security cameras. The company was also warned for operating past the 2 a.m. closing time on October 28, 2024. However, allegations of serving minors and multiple injuries on different occasions were dismissed due to insufficient evidence.

The board also addressed an incident involving Trinity Stewart Concessions LLC, operating as the Raffles Hotel, where a failure to notify police during an October 2024 assault and battery among patrons resulted in a violation. The board acknowledged the cooperation of management and security but emphasized the necessity of preserving video evidence and improving operational plans.

In a separate case, Paga Inc, doing business as Nicks Venue, faced an assault and battery incident in November 2024. The board found no violation due to the presence of adequate security measures in dealing with a rowdy patron.

The board’s transactional hearing approved several new license applications, including those for Genuine Food Lab LLC and Pizza Box LLC, with the latter’s operational hours amended. A petition from Mini Donut Diva LLC to change closing hours to 2 a.m. was approved with conditions for takeout and delivery post-11 p.m. Changes in management and DBA names for various establishments also received approvals, while items 10, 11, and 12 were deferred for further consideration.