Fall River Licensing Board Considers Lanista Lounge License Suspension After New Year’s Incident
-
Meeting Type:
Licensing Board
-
Meeting Date:
03/20/2024
-
Recording Published:
03/21/2024
-
Duration:
67 Minutes
-
State:
Massachusetts
-
County:
Bristol County
-
Towns:
Fall River
- Meeting Overview:
The Fall River Licensing Board recently convened to discuss a range of topics, with one of the most significant being the decision to suspend the liquor license of Lanista Lounge for three days following a New Year’s Eve incident. During the meeting, police officers described responding to a fight call at the lounge and finding approximately 20 people inside after the establishment’s closing time. The owner’s explanation that the individuals were family members and not patrons, along with his reluctance to present the liquor license, raised concerns among board members.
While the owner’s lawyer argued discrepancies in police reports and suggested those present were part of a work crew, the board members remained skeptical. They pointed to a history of issues at Lanista Lounge, including after-hours drinking and altercations. The decision to suspend the liquor license was also accompanied by a discussion regarding the implications of the suspension on the business, particularly during holiday periods.
Another pressing matter addressed by the board was the status of Raldi Peace Operations LLC’s lodging house license. Despite the owners’ absence, the Building Commissioner recommended denial of the license, stating the property must cease operations as a lodging house. The board supported this recommendation and denied the application.
The board then approved several license applications and changes in management without opposition. These included a one-day permit for Holy Name Parish for a spaghetti and meatball dinner event, an entertainment license for St. James Irish Pub to host karaoke on Monday evenings, and an entertainment license for Brew House District for trivia, musical bingo, and potentially live music.
Additionally, the board approved managerial changes for two establishments: Apple New England LLC and Beer Ala LLC, with both applicants receiving support from their respective representatives and the police. Similarly, the Italian Progressive Club of Fall River experienced a change in officers, directors, and LLC managers, which the board approved after receiving the necessary details.
The meeting also saw progress for Casa I Dominican Cuisine, operated by Macia Enterprises LLC. The board granted an extension of operation hours until 10 p.m., approved Johan Masia Nunes as the manager, and endorsed an extension for outdoor dining. Moreover, a one-day alcohol permit and entertainment license for karaoke and live music on Fridays and Saturdays were approved for Pi Resto restaurant, which agreed to have a police detail for the event.
Unfortunately, not all agenda items proceeded smoothly. A petition for P Resto restaurant was tabled due to missing documents, and a misunderstanding regarding El Jarto Restaurant’s entertainment license petition necessitated a postponement to a special meeting.
The meeting concluded with the board acknowledging the surrender of an all-alcohol common victualer’s license by Kadoba on William S Canning Boulevard. However, before the motion to adjourn could be finalized, the absence of a property owner during a prior decision was brought up. The board expressed dissatisfaction with the owner’s absence, leading to a denial of a related request concerning a lodging license.
Paul Coogan
Licensing Board Officials:
Gregory Brilhante, Melanie C. Cordeiro, Michael Perreira
-
Meeting Type:
Licensing Board
-
Committee:
-
Meeting Date:
03/20/2024
-
Recording Published:
03/21/2024
-
Duration:
67 Minutes
-
Notability Score:
Routine
Receive debriefs about local meetings in your inbox weekly:
-
State:
Massachusetts
-
County:
Bristol County
-
Towns:
Fall River
Recent Meetings Nearby:
- 10/30/2024
- 10/30/2024
- 142 Minutes
- 10/30/2024
- 10/30/2024
- 61 Minutes
- 10/30/2024
- 10/30/2024
- 151 Minutes