Lawrence City Council Approves Key Business Licenses Amidst Ongoing Compliance Discussions
- Meeting Overview:
The Lawrence City Council meeting focused on several critical business applications and licensing matters. Key outcomes included the approval of a common victualer license for A&E Supermarket, contingent on necessary inspections, and the unanimous approval of a business license for Diego’s Little Car Service and Repair Inc. The council also addressed the approval of alcohol licenses for community events and discussed ongoing compliance issues related to business operations and licensing.
The discussion surrounding Diego’s Little Car Service and Repair Inc. was particularly noteworthy, as the council approved its business license following confirmation of compliance with regulations. The representatives of the business assured the council of their awareness of regulations governing car dealerships. A significant part of the discussion focused on the need for appropriate permits for waste oil and acetylene. The board also reinforced the importance of not having unregistered or uninsured vehicles on the street surrounding the business, reflecting community standards for cleanliness and regulatory compliance.
Another decision involved the approval of a common victualer license for A&E Supermarket. The council raised questions regarding the establishment’s kitchen and its readiness for operation. While the license was approved, it was contingent upon the supermarket passing necessary inspections, including potential assistance from the fire department for these assessments.
Additionally, the council addressed a transfer application from Har LLC for Fernandez Brothers Liquors on Newberry Street. The council, showing no objections, unanimously approved the transfer with the requirement that the store’s existing name and operations remain unchanged.
The council also approved several one-day alcohol licenses for community events. These included a license for a local baseball field event and another for the Lawrence Catholic Academy. Both events have a history of being conducted without incident. The organizers assured the council of proper measures to control alcohol consumption, such as designated areas for alcohol and police details for safety management. Similarly, the Psychological Center’s proposal for a family-oriented event was approved, emphasizing a fun and safe environment for families with controlled alcohol service.
The meeting also featured discussions on tabling certain applications due to procedural issues or lack of attendance from relevant parties. Notably, the council chose to table the Portuguese American Holy Ghost fraternity’s application for a one-day all-alcohol license, with plans to revisit it at the next meeting on September 10. This decision allows time for further discussion or attendance from fraternity representatives.
In addition to business licenses and event approvals, the council addressed concerns regarding a liquor license that had been pending for two years without establishment. This prompted discussions about the necessity for follow-up communication to resolve the issue.
Brian A. DePena
City Council Officials:
Jeovanny A. Rodriguez, Stephany Infante, Fidelina Santiago, Wendy Luzon, Gregory Del Rosario, Vivian Marmol, Marc Laplante, Celina Reyes, Ana Levy
-
Meeting Type:
City Council
-
Committee:
-
Meeting Date:
08/20/2025
-
Recording Published:
08/20/2025
-
Duration:
54 Minutes
-
Notability Score:
Routine
Receive debriefs about local meetings in your inbox weekly:
-
State:
Massachusetts
-
County:
Essex County
-
Towns:
Lawrence
Recent Meetings Nearby:
- 12/06/2025
- 12/06/2025
- 50 Minutes
- 12/06/2025
- 12/06/2025
- 115 Minutes