Boston Licensing Board Tackles Multiple Assault Incidents
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Meeting Type:
Licensing Board
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Meeting Date:
03/26/2023
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Recording Published:
03/28/2024
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Duration:
72 Minutes
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Towns:
Boston
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County:
Suffolk County
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State:
Massachusetts
- Meeting Overview:
The Boston Licensing Board recently addressed several serious incidents involving local establishments, including multiple cases of assault and battery, a pub’s violation of capacity limits, and various operational challenges faced by city businesses. The board’s agenda prioritized cases with considerable implications for public safety and business compliance, taking into account the detailed accounts and responses from the establishments involved.
One notable matter involved Beantown Pub, where an employee was accused of assaulting a patron. The pub’s management and a witness were in attendance to recount the events, supported by video evidence. A Boston Police Department detective presented the police report, which included conflicting narratives about how the altercation unfolded.
Similarly, Dot Tavern was under scrutiny for an assault and battery incident between patrons and staff. The tavern’s owner, manager, and an employee who witnessed the event provided testimony. Questions were raised regarding the cooperation of Dot Tavern with the police and the steps being taken to prevent future incidents.
The meeting also touched upon an assault and battery case involving Croak Park Inc, where an employee allegedly attacked a patron. Unfortunately, the transcript does not reveal the outcome of this hearing or the subsequent discussions and decisions.
In a separate case presented by Officer Michael Kelly, an individual at an unnamed bar engaged in a fight and displayed erratic behavior, which the bar manager, Daniel Kelly, suggested could be attributed to a mental breakdown or substance use other than alcohol. The board heard the case and advised further consideration.
Earl’s Restaurant was brought into the spotlight due to an altercation between two staff members. Lynn McDonald, the Regional Director of Operations for Earl’s, explained the disciplinary actions taken, which included termination of the aggressor. The board did not have any questions and noted the case for advisement.
An overcrowding incident at Koi during a Halloween event was also discussed. The general manager, Joan Da, pointed to a possible clerical error in the headcount. The establishment had exceeded its 115-person capacity, recording 129 patrons, prompting the board to warn that the premises could face shutdown if the issue was not resolved. The board further expressed concern over missing ISD and BFD permits.
The board reviewed the operational difficulties of a restaurant that was open only from October to year’s end due to partner negotiations and remodeling. The legal counsel highlighted the leeway typically granted to operators retaining licenses despite challenges.
An informational hearing featured a security plan from a Dorchester pub, where the licensee’s attorney outlined security improvements, including additional video cameras, electronic wanding equipment, and collaboration with local police. The board stressed the importance of video footage retention, staff training in conflict resolution, and de-escalation, requesting a floor plan indicating camera locations.
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:
03/26/2023
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Recording Published:
03/28/2024
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Duration:
72 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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