Boston Licensing Board Criticizes Establishments for Safety Violations and Demands Immediate Action
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Meeting Type:
Licensing Board
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Meeting Date:
11/14/2024
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Recording Published:
11/14/2024
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Duration:
23 Minutes
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State:
Massachusetts
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County:
Suffolk County
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Towns:
Boston
- Meeting Overview:
In a recent meeting of the Boston Licensing Board, issues surrounding the management of licensed establishments were addressed, with a particular focus on incidents involving public safety violations. The board emphasized the need for establishments to adhere to regulations concerning patron safety and the maintenance of order during dispersal times, highlighting several cases that demonstrated lapses in compliance.
The most concern involved Big Causeway LLC, operating as Big Night Live Studio B Play, located on Causeway Street. This establishment was the subject of multiple allegations, including assault and battery against police officers and an EMT on October 19, 2024. The board expressed frustration over the late submission of video evidence, which hampered their ability to conduct a thorough hearing. One board member remarked on the unusual number of police officers present to testify.
The board criticized the establishment for not having a written dispersal plan, emphasizing the necessity for clear procedures that dictate how the venue should coordinate with private security and police. The absence of such a plan was considered a serious oversight, and the board demanded additional video evidence to assess the dispersal of patrons from the premises. A point of emphasis was the expectation that the establishment should manage the area outside its building during dispersal, rather than delegating this responsibility to third parties. The board insisted that ensuring the sidewalk is cleared post-dispersal is a non-delegable duty, highlighting the need for active management of patrons even after they exit the venue. The discussion concluded with a request for further documentation to affirm the establishment’s understanding and commitment to its responsibilities.
The board also addressed another notable incident involving GST Investment Group LLC, doing business as Beu and Rock and Ry, on Stewart Street. This incident, dated October 6, 2024, involved an underage individual in possession of alcohol on the premises. The board was skeptical about the establishment’s inability to provide video evidence from that night. This raised concerns about the establishment’s transparency and ID-checking procedures. The board found a violation had occurred and issued a first warning, due to a prior infraction in March 2022. Additionally, the board decided to send correspondence underlining the importance of preserving video evidence, particularly following a violation.
In another case, MRJ Inc., operating as the Hub Pub on Province Street, faced scrutiny for an incident on August 3, 2024, involving allegations of assault and battery between a patron and an employee. The board deliberated whether a violation occurred under Massachusetts General Laws, focusing on the employee’s unjustified physical contact with a patron recognized as being on the spectrum. The consensus led to a vote for a violation accompanied by a warning, with a recommendation for correspondence on proper handling procedures, stressing the importance of involving police rather than resorting to unnecessary physical force.
Additionally, the board reviewed several transactional matters, including managerial changes and license transfers. A petition from 107 Salem Street Inc., operating as Bako, to change the manager to Dario Danielle Buban Garcia was approved, with board members expressing confidence in Garcia’s character and suitability for the role. Similarly, the request from 99 Restaurants of Boston LLC to change the manager to Brian Chuch Chiolo was unanimously approved. Other managerial changes included approvals for MWG W Carver Grand Lodge Inc. and DW French LLC, operating as Maida, to amend their business descriptions.
The board also approved the transfer of licenses, such as Roden Inc.’s transfer to Beacon Capital Markets Inc., which included a pledge of the license and inventory. Lantis Boston Inc.’s request to transfer their license to Brook Egg Farm Inc. was also sanctioned. The board handled a series of new license applications and approvals, including common victualler licenses for Joe’s Pizza and Wings LLC, Hest Takaria LLC, Nia 95 Summer LLC, and PNH Boss Go LLC, alongside changes to existing licenses. A one-day amendment for A D Inc. to extend their license for a holiday reception was approved as well.
Michelle Wu
Licensing Board Officials:
Liam Curran, Keeana Saxon, Kathleen Joyce, Daniel R. Green
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Meeting Type:
Licensing Board
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Committee:
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Meeting Date:
11/14/2024
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Recording Published:
11/14/2024
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Duration:
23 Minutes
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Notability Score:
Routine
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State:
Massachusetts
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County:
Suffolk County
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Towns:
Boston
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