A prominent topic during the session was the potential upgrade of beer and wine licenses to non-transferable all-alcohol licenses. Business owners expressed concerns over the financial implications and competitive dynamics of this transition. Robert Fitz Harris, a business owner from South Boston, articulated apprehensions about the non-transferable nature of the new licenses. He questioned whether the licenses would revert back to their original form if a business ceased operations, highlighting the significant investments made in existing beer and wine licenses. The board clarified that while the new all-alcohol license would have no intrinsic value, business owners could apply to regain their original beer and wine licenses, which hold value.

Doug Bacon, another license holder, echoed these sentiments, pointing to potential competitive disadvantages for those with full liquor licenses. He sought clarity on regulations that might prevent rapid upgrades of licenses by new business owners, which could alter market dynamics. Conversely, Noren Maloney from Fenway expressed optimism about the upgrade opportunity, noting the scarcity of full liquor licenses in his area and its potential to retain customers locally.

The board acknowledged these concerns and confirmed that the record would remain open for additional comments. They planned to finalize discussions and vote on the matter by late November, balancing this process with the renewal season for existing licenses. This dialogue highlighted the need to consider the interests of current license holders while implementing changes aimed at benefiting businesses in regions with limited liquor licensing.

The meeting also addressed various public safety incidents at local establishments, one of which involved MJ O’Connor’s Irish Pub. The board reviewed an incident from May 25, 2025, involving an alleged assault and battery by an employee on a patron. Testimony from Detective John Fitzgerald and Attorney Dennis Quilty, representing MJ O’Connor’s, revealed a situation where a staff member restrained an intoxicated and aggressive individual. The board scrutinized the response, questioning whether the level of force used was justified, given that no weapon was found during a police search. The absence of internal reports from the pub complicated the board’s assessment, prompting discussions on the establishment’s operational protocols.

In another incident at Ly’s Lounge on July 26, 2025, the board examined a report of an altercation involving a knife. Witness accounts and video evidence depicted a suspect proposing a drug deal before becoming aggressive. The board underscored the importance of witness testimony and security protocols to ensure appropriate responses to such incidents. The suspect, who failed to appear for arraignment, had left behind identifying materials, which were handed over to the police.

The board’s scrutiny extended to Zaz Restaurant and Catering Corporation, facing allegations of operating after hours and exceeding its licensed capacity. The incident on July 20, 2025, involved a large group congregating outside the restaurant, leading to police intervention. Owner Orley Roberts defended his establishment, attributing the crowd to nearby venues. The board emphasized the need for compliance with licensing regulations and expressed willingness to assist in resolving the issues.

Lastly, the board addressed an incident involving underage drinking at the Grand. The investigation revealed that a patron used his older brother’s ID to gain entry, raising concerns about ID verification practices. The establishment’s director of security confirmed that training would be updated to better recognize signs of intoxication and scrutinize IDs. The board deliberated on the acceptance of various forms of identification, stressing the importance of maintaining rigorous ID-checking policies to prevent underage access to alcohol.