The meeting’s most compelling discussion centered around the Portuguese Little Restaurant, a new venture yet to open. Concerns were expressed about the establishment potentially transitioning into a nightclub with live music, a shift from the neighborhood’s historical experience with the previous Portuguese restaurant, which operated without major issues. Board members expressed apprehension about the nightlife atmosphere disrupting the typically quiet neighborhood. The establishment’s new owners acknowledged these concerns and agreed to table their application, promising to return with a revised plan addressing the board’s apprehensions. The board’s decision was influenced by the neighborhood’s peaceful character and the potential disturbances from patrons exiting late at night. The board recommended the owners focus on successfully opening the restaurant first, with plans to revisit the application in two months, contingent on the restaurant’s operational success and community integration.

Another item involved the application for a new alcohol common victual license for Taste of Paradise LLC, located on Pleasant Street. Represented by Attorney Arthur Frank, the applicant, Ronald Reie, was in the midst of renovations. Due to the meeting’s limited board attendance, the application was tabled until a future session where more board members could be present.

The board also reviewed a request from St. Michael School for a one-day liquor permit, which was tabled at the school’s request. However, the board proceeded with the Liberal Club’s application for a one-day liquor permit for their Holy Ghost Feast of Trinidad, scheduled for Labor Day weekend. Kevin Palmer and Paul DeForge, representing the club, requested an extension of operating hours on Sunday, shifting the closure time from 10 PM to midnight. The board noted the club’s longstanding history of compliance and successful operations over 42 years, leading to a unanimous decision to approve the extension.

In lighter matters, the board addressed Jed Male’s application for a pizza establishment on Brighton Avenue. Male shared his aspiration to own a pizza shop, a dream cultivated through a decade of industry experience. His proposed operating hours are from 11 AM to 9 PM, six days a week, with closures on Sundays. The board expressed support for his venture, granting the application with unanimous approval. Similarly, Husan Ali’s proposal for a fast-food business, Nas Halal Food, on Broadway, was met with enthusiasm. Ali and his wife Mariam plan to operate a franchise blending Middle Eastern and American cuisine, open from 11 AM to 2 AM daily. With a favorable recommendation from the police chief, the board unanimously supported the application.

Additionally, the board approved Chick-fil-A’s change of ownership application. Alexandria Mayo represented the franchise, assuring the board that no operational changes were planned. The police report on the matter was favorable, and the board’s decision to approve was unanimous.

The board also reviewed an entertainment license application from Soabi Restaurant Bar and Lounge on County Street, represented by Attorney Eric Hargreaves. The establishment sought to provide live and recorded music, along with karaoke, on Thursday through Saturday. Concerns from neighbors about potential disturbances were acknowledged, as the venue is located in a residential area.

Finally, the board considered a Class II license application for Melo’s Collision and Custom LLC on Alden Street. Christopher Melo, the applicant, sought to transfer the license to sell vehicles, a departure from the business’s previous focus on auto body work. The board deliberated on the appropriate number of vehicles for licensing, settling on five to allow for future expansion. Melo’s hours for vehicle sales were adjusted to align with the shop’s operational hours, and the application was approved without objection.