One notable issue was the Tavern on Merrimack, which faced allegations following incidents on February 19 and 20, where a combined total of 54 underage individuals were found on the premises. This was brought to light after Merrimack College reported complaints about intoxicated students allegedly visiting the tavern. During a police inspection on February 20, officers noted that patrons panicked and attempted to flee upon their arrival. Initial identification checks revealed 17 underage individuals present, some in possession of alcoholic beverages.

Jennifer Compe, the manager on duty at the time of the incidents, was informed of the violations, which led to the matter being forwarded to the licensing authority for further action. The tavern’s attorney, Brian Caran, addressed the board, acknowledging the findings and detailing the establishment’s efforts to prevent underage drinking. Caran emphasized the security protocols in place, including the use of an ID scanning device, though it was noted that the software was outdated and failed to detect fraudulent IDs. Additional measures, such as the installation of an alarm on a back door and the education of staff on state-issued IDs, were also highlighted.

The board expressed concerns over these violations, with one commissioner referencing a subsequent police check that revealed further underage presence at the tavern. The commissioner proposed several actions: issuing a written warning for the first offense, a seven-day suspension for the second, and reducing operating hours until 11:30 PM, initially proposed until June but later amended to end on April 30th. This amendment came after discussions about the impact of such measures on the tavern’s business, with the understanding that these actions were meant to balance enforcement with operational viability.

The Gateway Bar also came under scrutiny following similar incidents of underage drinking. A significant number of underage patrons were identified during an administrative inspection, prompting discussions about the bar’s compliance with state laws. Danielle Mosquetto, the manager of Gateway Bar, expressed her shock at the incident report, noting her absence during the event but committing to enhancing security measures, including better training for staff and the use of an ID scanner.

The board proposed similar penalties for the Gateway Bar as those for the Tavern on Merrimack: a written warning, a seven-day suspension, and a rollback of operating hours until the end of April. Mosquetto voiced concerns about the potential impact on the bar’s business, particularly on weekends. The discussion also delved into the shared responsibility between the establishment and the patrons, with the board ultimately voting unanimously in favor of the proposed actions.

Additionally, the board addressed a separate agenda item involving the transfer of a license for the Primo Mini Market. The application required minor amendments, which were addressed by updating corporate records for compliance. The board approved these adjustments for submission to the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission (ABCC), concluding the meeting with the scheduling of the next session on April 15, 2026.