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 regular meeting of the Board of License Commissioners was held on September 21, 2020 over the Zoom meeting platform, and called to order by Commissioner Sarefield at 6:05 PM. Commissioners Boscardin and Zarrella were also present. FPD Liaison Lieutenant Howe was present. I. REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF PRIOR MEETING(S) The minutes of July 1, July 6, July 9, July 15, July 20, August 3, August 27, September 9, and September 11th, 2020 were approved by roll call vote 3/0. I. PUBLIC HEARING NEW: Change of Category Super Station, Inc, dba Wine World, 381 John Fitch Highway, for Change of Category from Wine and Malt Beverages to All Alcoholic Beverages as approved by Special Legislation. Mr. SauRabh Patel, Owner, was in attendance, as well as Mary Jo Bohart, Director of Economic Development. The Hearing was opened and a review of the application was discussed. The Chair invited anyone in attendance to speak. Mary Jo Bohart, City of Fitchburg Economic Development Director spoke in support of the application. No one else requested to speak. Hearing closed and application approved by roll-call vote 3/0. II.CORRESPONDENCE 1. Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission Advisory Regarding Extension of Allowance of Outdoor Table Service A discussion ensued regarding whether there should be blanket approval for applications, or whether they should be handled individually. Ms. Bohart mentioned that if there were inclement weather, snow could be an issue for patrons if the area was not cleared correctly. The Commissioners agreed that any outdoor area operating under the special license should be fully accessible and kept safe for diners. Commissioners discussed date of extension as the ABCC left the decision up to the Board. It was agreed that the date would be December 31st at midnight, and a letter would be sent to any current holder of the Special License to let them know of the extension, and as renewals came in, some could be rolled over to the next year. Motion to grant extension to all current Special License holders approved by roll call vote 3/0. Page 1 2. Lieutenant Jeffrey Howe, Fitchburg Police Department and Ms. Stephanie Holinko, Food Inspector, regarding outdoor public assembly on September 12, 2020. Lieutenant Howe noted that he had received a complaint on September 12th regarding an event being held on Mill Street, in which music was being played and no masks were being used and there wasn’t appropriate social distancing. The Police Department was under an obligation to document the complaint and refer it to the Board of Health. An Officer went to the scene and observed a speaker and amplifier set up, but everyone in attendance was wearing a mask. Commissioner Boscardin asked whether there had been alcohol served at the event. Lieutenant Howe stated that there had not been, and there had not been an application for Public Assembly to hold the event. Commissioner Sarefield stated that upon speaking with Stephanie Holinko, Food Inspector for the Board of Health, it appeared that the owner did not realize he needed to pull permits in order to hold the event. Lieutenant Howe stated that an Officer had spoken to the owner and they seemed to understand what permits and steps would be required in order to hold events in the future. Motion to take no further action was approved by roll call vote 3/0. III. DISCUSSION – Possible License Commission letter to Package Stores regarding regulations. Commissioner Sarefield noted that while Rule 16.6 to have clear visibility is part of the Regulations for Pouring Licenses, there does not seem to be a current rule for package stores. IV. NEW BUSINESS Ms. Bohart noted that as the time for license renewals approached, she wanted the Commission to be aware of the possibility that some might not renew as they had not been open since March and no clear opening date was available from the State. She noted that the insurance to have a liquor license might be prohibitive to doing so. Commissioner Sarefield noted that he had reached out to the ABCC to question the possibility of waivers to assist businesses hurt by the shutdown. The meeting adjourned at 7:01 PM. Respectfully submitted, Mary de Alderete, City Clerk Approved: ___________________ ___________________ _________________ Daniel Sarefield, Chair Richard Boscardin John Zarrella Page 2