License Commission

BOARD OF LICENSE COMMISSIONERS City Hall, 718 Main Sh-eet g^ FitchburgMA 01420 (978) 82^11139-4 AM 8; 31 Daniel Sarefield, Chairman Richard Boscardin MINUTESOFMEETING A meeting oftlie Board ofLicense Commissioners was held on May 4, 2020 over the Zoom meeting platform, and called to order by Commissioner Sarefield at 6:00 P.M. Commissioner Boscardin zvas also present. FPD Liaison Lieutenant Howe zuas present. I. REVIEW AND ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES FROM PREVIOUS MEETING Minutes from the previoiis meeting ofApril 4, 2020 were held until a meeting m person may take place. II. CORRESPONDENCE Email from Lieutenant Jeffrev Howe resardins Majors Cafe Lieiitenant Howe described the incident ofThiirsday, April 23 as having been called in by a neighbor who heard activity in the establishment. Officers went to check the location and the door \vas locked There \vas cardboard in the wmdows so they could not see in. They noted that the lights ^ere on and there \vas music beingplayed. When Officer Mimchiello knocked on the door, the lights and miisic were turned off, He noted that the back door had been opened and went around the back ofthe establishment. This \vas also locked. There ^as a window m the back and the Officer could obser^e beer bottles on the bar as well as pool sticks against the bar, as ifa game \vere bemgplayed, and coats on the back ofchairs, As access could not be gained, Sergeant Leger responded on scene and attempted to contact the o\\mer, Ellen Reffitt. Dispatch called multiple times, and Ms. Reffittfinally answered on the third time. Sergeant Leger saw that M^s. Reffitt come to open the door, Upon entering, there were multiple people foimd hiding in a closet, When asked ^vhy the door \vas not opened, Ms. Reffitt stated that she \vas scared to do so. She said that they were in the location to make repairs, Officer Mmichiello noted that \vhile there was apaint can and hnishes, they did not appear to be opened cmd there \vas no odor of freshpaint. Upon taking identification from those present, one person in the groiip \vas noted to be 20 years ofage. They were asked to disburse, and as they left they tookpool sticks and darts with them. There v^as evidence ofapool game having beenplayeci Ms. Reffitt stated that the beer had been bronght infrom the oiitside. Commissioner Sarefield noted that this incident appeared to be not only in violation ofthe Orders given by the ABCC and the Governor, but also in violation oflocal regulations, as follows: 6.6 The main entrance io the licensed premises must remain unlocked until ull patrons have lefl the premises at closmg time. Clubs are exemptfrom this regulation. All licensed establishments must allow immediate access to Llcense Board members, Police and all agents ofthe License Board whilepatrons or Page 1  employees are on thepremise. Employees and management must cooperate while thepolice investigate disturbance calls. All doors to establishments must remain closed during normal business hours. 6.8 Licensees and their employees may remain upon the premises after closing for thepurpose ofcleaning, making emergency repairs, providing securityfor such premises, preparing food for the next day's business or closing the husiness in an orderly manner. No alcoholic beverages are to be served or consumed after closinghours 6.16 No advertising matter, screen, curtain or other obstruction which in the opinion ofthe boardprevents aclear view ofthe interior of the premises shall be maintained in or on any window or door thereofafter the board has ordered the removal ofsuch obstruction. No booths, stalls or enclosures ofany description arepermitted which prevents thepersons thereinfrom beingplainly observed by otherpersons on thepremises. All shades, curtains, blinds etc are not permitted to remain completely closed preventing a clear view of the interior of the premises at all hours when the premise is either open or closedfor business. (Added February 19, 2014) Commissioner Boscardin recommended that a Siimmons Hearing be scheduledfor the next License Commission meeting ofMay 18, 2020. Lieutenant Howe noted that it might he helpful to include the three Officers that had been present at the incident ofApril 23 . Roll call vote to notify Majors Cafe ofa Summons Hearing on May 18, 2020 was unanimously approved It is notedfor the mimites that Ms. Reffitt \vas in attendance at the Zoom meeting. 1. ABCC Actions - placed on file in the City Clerk's Office III. NEW BUSINESS - None The meeting adjoumed at 6:14 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Mary de Alderete, City Clerk Approved: Daniel Sarefield, Chair Richard Boscardin Page 2