License Commission

BOARD OF LICENSE COMMISSIONERS City Hall, 718 Main Street Fitchburg MA 01420 FITCHBURG CITY CLERK (978) 829-1820 Mar 21 2023 10:35 am Daniel Sarefield, Chairman Richard Boscardin John Zarrella MINUTES OF MEETING A regular meeting of the Board of License Commissioners was held on March 13, 2023 and called to order by Commissioner Sarefield at 6:01 PM. Commissioners Boscardin was present, Commissioner Zarrella was absent. FPD Liaison Lieutenant Jeffrey Howe and City Clerk Joanna Bilotta were present. I. REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF PRIOR MEETING(S) The minutes of February 22, 2023 were approved by roll call vote 2/0 . II. NEW APPLICATIONS Sunday Entertainment Permit North County Land Trust, hosting event at Applewild School, 120 Prospect Street, June 18, 2023, from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM. Approximately 200 people. Emily Merlino informed the board she was hosting a 5K run. Commission Sarefield addressed the time of the event they amended the hours to 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM Amended Application approved by unanimous roll call vote 2/0. Monday - Saturday Entertainment Permit Cathleen O’Neil, Fitchburg High School Class Reunion, 67 Scott Road, Saima Park, Saturday, June 10, 2023, from 2:00 PM – 8:00 PM. Approximately 50 people. Cathleen O’Neil shared with the commission she was hosting a class reunion, they spoke of the liquor license, which would be a separate application. Application approved by unanimous roll call vote 2/0. Taxi Driver Permit Jean J. Luckner – City Cab Company Mr. Jean Luckner was present at the meeting, Commissioner Sarefield discussed the Taxi and Livery Service Regulations. Page 1  Application approved by unanimous roll call vote 2/0. Alteration of Licensed Premises The Graham Witherspoon Companies, LLC DBA, Kingston Island Cuisine 480 & 488 Main Street. Mr. Graham explained to the commission he would be utilizing 480 Main Street for Kingston Island Cuisine. Commissioner Sarefield questions some updates to the license application and the different parties that are on the lease provided with this new application for alteration of premise. The commission would like to research with the ABCC to see in changing the officers signing the lease would be possible with a change of premise only? A motion and second to continue deliberation to the March 20, 2023 meeting approved by a roll call vote 2/0. I. PUBLIC HEARING Application for Transfer of General Premise All Alcohol Beverages Liquor License Lab 978 LLC, DBA Tryst Lounge, from Tryst Lounge, Inc., 320 Main Street. Commissioner Sarefield opened the public hearing at 6:43 PM. No one spoke in favor or opposition of the application. Public Hearing declared closed at 6:44 PM. Mr. Gregory Bernadotte advised the commission he would not be making any changes to the existing Tryst business plan. He worked at Destare and Tryst as lead bartender. Lt. Howe had no concerns. Application approved by unanimous roll call vote 2/0. II. CORRESPONDANCE 1. ABCC Actions No Action taken. 2. Correspondence from Lieutenant Howe regarding an incident at Mill City Pub on February 24, 2023. Lt. Howe informed the commission of an incident that took place at Mill City Pub on 2/24/23 at 8:44 pm. The following concerns I have: 1. Overserving 2. Allowing intoxicated person to knowingly get behind the wheel of a motor vehicle without trying to stop the person 3. Police never notified 4. Staff training should be reviewed Page 2  The commission requested summons hearing to discuss this with Officer Gilot, Bartender Janessa Nolan, Shane Vale, and Manager of record, Jessica Lagoy. III. NEW BUSINESS Lt. Howe informed the commission of another incident that took place at TOPPS Liquors on 3/12/23 at 11:19 AM. They have on video on a young women who purchased Tabaco Flavored Vapes from the establishment from a hidden compartment with the building. Per the Rules and Guidelines of the Fitchburg License Commission, section 3.5, the “General Laws of the Commonwealth pertaining to conduct of Business” Per MGL 270, Section 28, “No person, retailer or manufacturer shall sell, distribute, cause to be sold or distributed, offer for sale any flavored tobacco product or tobacco product flavor enhancer in any retail establishment, online or through any other means to any consumer in the commonwealth”. The Commission requested a summons hearing to discuss this with Officer Bajana, Chirag Patel, Store Owner and Tushar Patel. NEXT REGULAR MEETING Monday, March 20, 2023 The meeting adjourned at 7:09 PM Respectfully submitted, Joanna Bilotta, City Clerk Approved: __________________ ___________________ ___________________ Daniel Sarefield Richard Boscardin John Zarrella Page 3