A significant portion of the meeting focused on the liquor license application for Natalia Restaurant Corporation. The application, represented by Attorney Patrick McDonald, initially contained incorrect information regarding the manager’s experience. The application stated that Mr. Ariel Alon Darte had experience as a night manager at Bruno’s in Lynn, which was incorrect. Instead, Mr. Alakan Dwati, who was not listed as the manager in the application, had managed his own restaurant, Mex, in Malden from 2018 to 2022. The board agreed to accept a revised page to correct this misinformation, with the understanding that a slight delay might occur due to Mr. Dwati’s court obligations.

The board members expressed minimal concerns regarding the current operations of Natalia, with one commissioner noting familiarity with the restaurant’s clean and modest character. Emphasis was placed on ensuring that the establishment remains primarily a restaurant, avoiding transformation into a dance club, and adhering to its designated capacity of 50 patrons. Lieutenant Frizz, who inspected the premises, confirmed that the restaurant was up to code. Following these discussions, the board approved the liquor license, pending the necessary corrections to the application.

Equally noteworthy was the resolution of a complaint against Shop Car Sales LLC. Miguel Gomez represented the business concerning a complaint about a customer allegedly double-parking on Jamaica Street. Commissioner Leair detailed prior complaints about unregistered vehicles and a dirty lot. However, after a visit to the site, Leair observed that Gomez had addressed the concerns by cleaning up and removing obstructions. The parked cars on Jamaica Street were identified as belonging to tenants and patrons of a nearby bagel shop. With no parking signs considered necessary for enforcement, the board concluded that there were no violations on Gomez’s part. A motion to dismiss the case was seconded and approved unanimously.

The board also considered several applications for outdoor patio permits. Jenny, representing Luna, applied for a temporary patio permit. Bonnie Paravia applied for a patio extension, inquiring about the permitted hours of operation. The hours were confirmed as Sunday to Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. and Fridays extending to 3:00 a.m. Although there were concerns about potential noise disturbances affecting nearby residents, particularly an elderly building across the street, the board approved the patio extension after emphasizing the need for noise management.

In addition, the board reviewed a new application from Mueres Picadas for a one-day wine and malt license for an event on Common Street. Rosa, representing the group, explained their intention to host a karaoke night to relieve stress. The board had previously approved a similar license for her and confirmed the proper source for alcohol purchases would be a beer distributor rather than a liquor store. The one-day license was approved unanimously.