Fall River Licensing Board Delays Approval for Grand Motors Wholesale License Due to Lack of Physical Office.
- Meeting Overview:
The Fall River Licensing Board meeting on October 14, 2025, saw significant deliberations over the application of Grand Motors LLC for a Class 2 wholesale license. The board decided to postpone the decision, citing the absence of a physical office space as a primary concern. The board also approved several other licenses and permits, including a liquor permit for the Boys and Girls Club of Fall River and common victualer licenses for new and existing businesses.
The most contentious topic was the application by Lamar Grand Motors LLC for a Class 2 wholesale license. The applicant operates with a PO box instead of a traditional office space, which raised concerns among board members about compliance with city regulations. A representative for Grand Motors explained that the company requires a smaller space than initially considered and is currently using a PO box as an interim solution. They assured the board that a transition to a physical office would occur once a suitable space became available, adding that their business model primarily involves transactions between auctions and dealers, minimizing the need for client interaction.
However, the board expressed discomfort with the idea of issuing a license to a business without a physical presence. One member articulated, “I’m not comfortable with licensing a box, a mailbox,” emphasizing the necessity of a tangible office space for legitimacy and compliance. Concerns about setting a precedent for future applications based solely on a mailbox arrangement were also raised. The board sought clarification on whether a physical office is a requirement for a Class 2 wholesale license and confirmed that it is indeed mandatory.
Discussions highlighted the financial challenges of acquiring an office, with board members suggesting that even smaller office spaces could be costly. The applicant countered, expressing optimism about securing a space within their budget. Despite assurances from the representative that the PO box arrangement suffices for their operational model, the board remained unconvinced.
Ultimately, a motion was proposed and passed to table the decision, giving the applicant time to secure a legitimate office space. The board expressed a willingness to approve the license once the applicant meets the physical presence requirement. The applicant was encouraged to explore potential office locations, such as “56 North Main Street,” although board members refrained from directing them to any specific address.
In other business, the board swiftly approved a one-day liquor permit for the Boys and Girls Club of Fall River, scheduled for an event on November 8, 2025. The club’s representative, William Kylie, presented their request. The board approved the permit without opposition.
Several common victualer licenses were also granted during the meeting. Brenette St. Louis received approval for her new juice cafe, Black Nutrition, on North Main Street. The cafe plans to operate Monday through Saturday, with police department approval already secured. Luis Martinez, representing Chick-fil-A on Williams S. Canning Boulevard, confirmed his status as the new owner and received a license under the same conditions. Joseé Roses was granted a license for Choco Latte Cafe, relocating from Sixth Street to 147 Bordon Street.
An extension of hours for Morgan’s Cantina at One Ferry Street was approved, allowing operations until 2:00 a.m. on Saturdays and adjustments to other days. The board also approved a new alcohol common victualer license for Ankor and Stone LLC on Martin Street, the former Leage Seafood, with no objections to their application.
Toward the end of the meeting, the board addressed routine matters such as the renewal of various licenses, including those for common victualers and alcoholic beverage providers. These renewals were approved without debate, and the meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn after confirming all necessary signatures were completed.
Paul Coogan
Licensing Board Officials:
Gregory Brilhante, Melanie C. Cordeiro, Michael Perreira
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Meeting Type:
Licensing Board
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Committee:
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Meeting Date:
10/14/2025
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Recording Published:
10/15/2025
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Duration:
37 Minutes
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Notability Score:
Routine
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State:
Massachusetts
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County:
Bristol County
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Towns:
Fall River
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