One notable issue discussed was the potential increase in fees for amendment applications and one-day licenses. Currently, the Gardner License Commission does not charge for amendment applications or new license applications, a policy that is increasingly seen as unsustainable given the workload involved. One member emphasized the labor-intensive nature of these processes, stating that comprehensive guidance is often necessary for applicants. The Commission noted that surrounding towns typically impose a $100 fee for similar applications. Consequently, a motion was made to establish a $100 fee for both amendment and application submissions, with an effective date of January 1. This decision does not require approval from the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission (ABCC) as it falls under local regulations.

Furthermore, the Commission scrutinized its one-day license fees, which are lower than those of neighboring communities. Current fees range from $50 to $70, whereas nearby municipalities like Leominster charge more. A proposal to increase the all-alcohol one-day license fee from $50 to $75 and the malt, beer, and wine fee from $25 to $50 was tabled for consideration. One member remarked on the proposed increase, “I think that’s reasonable,” suggesting the change would go largely unnoticed and align better with regional standards. The motion for these fee increases passed, with implementation slated for January 1. The Commission acknowledged that the previous rates had been unchanged since 2009.

Another topic was the ongoing struggle with renewal packets, a recurring challenge for the Commission. A member expressed frustration over repeated requests for additional information, stressing the urgency to finalize pending documentation. The Commission confirmed possession of renewal packets issued by Boston. This issue underlined the administrative burdens faced by the Commission, prompting discussions about potential process improvements.

The meeting also addressed old business, notably the protracted application processes for Sal Asian Cuisine and Lounge and Sawa to Go. The Sal Asian Cuisine application, pending since April 8, 2025, was returned twice by the ABCC but was declared complete as of July 24, 2025. Meanwhile, Sawa to Go’s new on-premises annual alcohol application, submitted to the ABCC on June 18, 2025, encountered delays with no action taken by August 25, 2025. An update revealed that missing items from the attorney’s office had been received, with plans to resubmit the application for reconsideration.

Additionally, the Commission reviewed a report from the Gardner Fire Department concerning an incident at SA Beastro on August 11, 2025. The fire department responded to an active alarm and found the restaurant had not evacuated, leading to a citation for non-compliance with evacuation procedures. Despite the citation, the Commission noted that the establishment was compliant with alcohol regulations.

The meeting also touched on the scheduling of future gatherings, particularly the November meeting, which coincides with Veterans Day when City Hall is closed. The Commission considered rescheduling or canceling this meeting and discussed potentially shifting the October meeting later in the month to align more closely with December. Ultimately, they decided to explore room availability for a Wednesday meeting, with the option to cancel if the agenda lacked substantial material.