License Commission

BOARD OF LICENSE COMMISSIONERS City Hall, 166 Boulder Drive Fitchburg MA 01420 (978) 829-1820 Daniel Sarefield, Chairman Richard Boscardin John Zarrella MINUTES OF MEETING A special meeting of the Board of License Commissioners was held on June 26, 2020 over the Zoom meeting platform, and called to order by Commissioner Sarefield at 10:05 A.M. Commissioners Boscardin and Zarrella were also present. FPD Liaison Lieutenant Howe was present. Also in attendance were James Lattanzi of Hollis Hills Farm and Kimberly Jones of Strong Style Coffee. I. DISCUSSION AND APPROVAL PROCESS FOR ANY TEMPORARY ALTERATION OF PREMISES LICENSES, AS REQUIRED. Commissioner Sarefield called the meeting to order and then discussed that although there were a few applications in the system, there was nothing currently ready for approval. Commissioner Sarefield thanked Mr. Lattanzi and Ms. Jones for attending the meeting and said that the reason the Board had requested they both join was to be responsive and clear up any questions they may have as to whether or not they were permitted to have live music outdoors.. Commissioner Sarefield noted that due to COVID-19 and the state’s phased reopening, concerts were not permitted, but recognized that having a musician perform at their establishment does not quality as a concert and that they were permitted to utilize their outdoor space. He also noted that per Section 10.2 of the Board’s regulations, special permission is required of the Board in order to utilize their entertainment permits for outdoor amplified music and that such permission had already been granted to Hollis Hills Farm. Commissioner Sarefield then asked Ms. Jones and Mr. Lattanzi to provide them an overview of their plan. Ms. Jones stated that she was in the process of requesting permission to use the wooden deck on Mill Street to both expand her outdoor seating and allow a location for musicians to set up and perform. This would keep the musicians six feet away from the patrons and would alleviate crowding in the small patio they currently use. She noted that she is not looking to extend the liquor license to this area and would only be serving food and non-alcoholic beverages. Once they are approved, she will set up the tables and have the Board of Health inspect the area to ensure they are located properly. Page 1 Commissioner Sarefield noted that there is a process in place to apply for the extension of premises and that the Board would be happy to work with her throughout the process. He mentioned that she would need permission from the owner in order to use the space on Mill Street. Ms. Jones noted the City owns the land and that she had already been in touch with Steve Curry from the Board of Health and had submitted the information he requested for such approval. Commissioner Sarefield asked whether or not she plans to have musicians perform on the patio while she awaits the decision from the City. Ms. Jones said no. She mentioned that keeping her customers safe is her number one priority and that the patio area is so small and she was concerned with being able to maintain proper social distancing. In addition, she wanted to be respectful of their neighbors, in particular Eddy’s, with whom they share this space. Commissioner Sarefield asked Ms. Jones whether an application had already been started. Ms. Jones stated that no one had informed her that there was a formal application process and that she was instructed to send her entertainment plan to Steve Curry. Commissioner Sarefield suggested that she look back through her emails from the City Clerk as the city had developed an online portal to apply for a temporary extension of premises and the instructions and link were provided in this email. Commissioner Sarefield noted that since they were planning on having live entertainment outdoors, that the Board would be required to grant special permission and quoted Section 10.2 from the regulations as follows: 10.2 There will be no amplified music outdoors and no speakers from amplified music inside will be placed outdoors except with special permission from the Board on individual days. Commissioner Sarefield then requested that Ms. Jones provide the Board with the days and times of the week that she plans to have outdoor entertainment. Ms. Jones responded that she plans to have entertainment Thursday through Saturday during the evenings through 10:00 p.m. and Sunday late morning to early afternoon. Motion: to grant special permission to Strong Style Coffee for outdoor entertainment for the following days: Thursday through Saturday during the evenings through 10:00 p.m. and Sunday late morning to early afternoon, was approved by Roll Call Vote 3/0. Lt. Howe suggested that in the meantime while Ms. Jones is awaiting approval for the temporary extension of premises, that she can request a public assembly event for the dates and times she plans to utilize the deck on Mill Street. Commissioner Sarefield then asked Mr. Lattanzi of Hollis Hills Farm if he was planning to use his outdoor space. Mr. Lattanzi stated that he did plan on utilizing his outdoor permit and was planning on opening tomorrow. He mentioned that he didn’t think that he had to come before the Board because he is not altering his permit from what was originally approved. He does have a COVID-19 plan in Page 2  place and will be adhering to the guidelines put forth by the state for each phase of the reopening. Currently, his plan includes a stage set up on the lawn for the entertainers with a six foot buffer. The picnic tables have been spaced at least six feet apart and they have marked out 12x12 areas on the lawn with isles for the guests that want to have a picnic style lunch near the stage. They will provide each guest with a menu at time of arrival and they will be seated. One person from that table will place the order at the window and a runner will bring the food when it is ready. Guests are required to wear masks in any of the common areas or if they leave their table. Commission Boscardin asked Mr. Lattanzi if he had a list of the days and times he was looking for approval. Mr. Lattanzi stated that he was not looking to expand upon his current license. Commissioner Sarefield noted that the Board does not need to take any action at this time, but rather he wanted to clarify to Mr. Lattanzi that, if he wasn’t already aware, he was able to have outdoor entertainment without needing special permission because the Board had already granted such permission. The meeting adjourned at 10:46 A.M. Respectfully submitted, Amanda K. Alford, Assistant City Clerk Approved: ___________________ ___________________ _________________ Daniel Sarefield, Chair Richard Boscardin John Zarrella Page 3