License Commission

Lowell License Commission | Meeting Minutes for March 24, 2022 This meeting was held in City Council Chambers, second floor, City Hall, 375 Merrimack St. on Thursday, March 24, 2022, at 6:00 PM and remotely by Zoom Meeting ID: _857 0938 7494 Passcode: _944749. Video of this meeting is available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WbdJ1L4QFLU ROLL CALL: On a roll call at 18:02, members present were, namely: Chairman Descoteaux, Commissioner Howe, Commissioner Donahue, Commissioner Krieger, and Commissioner Chhan. MINUTES: 0. Acceptance of meeting minutes for March 10, 2022. Commissioner Krieger requested that the draft minutes for March 10, 2022 be clarified by adding the City Solicitors’ full names and titles. Commissioner Krieger made a motion to place corrected minutes on file from the Lowell License Commission Meeting of Thursday, March 10, 2022; seconded by Commissioner Howe. 5 yeas, APPROVED. 1. Ratification of the application by Steve Syverson, for a "Special One Day License to sell/dispense Wines only," for the ‘Reflections From the Road’ artist reception, held on Saturday March 12th, 2022 at the ALL Arts Gallery, 307 Market Street. Move approval by Commissioner Chhan; seconded by Commissioner Donahue. 5 yeas, APPROVED. 2. Application by Clemente Park Committee, Jhonnatha Cheam, Committee Chair, for a "Special Events Permit for Amplified Outdoor Public Entertainment," for the ‘12th Annual Khmer New Year's Celebration,’ to be held on Saturday, April 23rd, 2022 from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM at Pailin Sports Complex at Clemente Park, 803 Middlesex Street. At the request of Commission Chair Descoteaux, Mr. Cheam described the proposed event as similar to previous years’ celebrations and remarked that it has been a few years since they were able to celebrate because of Covid. Mr. Cheam stated they anticipate anywhere from 50 to 1000 attendees at any time – and noted that they’re prepared for the larger number with security and a police detail. Move approval by Commissioner Howe; seconded by Commissioner Chhan. 5 yeas, APPROVED. Page 1 of 3 City of Lowell License Commission | 375 Merrimack St. Lowell, MA 01852 Lowell License Commission | Meeting Minutes for March 24, 2022 3. Applications for public amusement licenses for carnival by Fiesta Shows, John Flynn, representative, at Regatta Field, 381‐501 Pawtucket Blvd., Thursday, May 26th through Monday, May 30th and Thursday June 2nd through Sunday June 5th, 2022. Hours for all dates are 1:00 PM to 11:00 PM. Mr. Flynn did not appear before the Commission. No motion was made. 4. Hearing regarding the application by Serve First Corporation [d/b/a] Good Thymes Family Restaurant, Ketevan Titberidze, proposed License Manager, for transfer of an "All Alcoholic Beverages restaurant" license, and new “Common Victualler” & “Entertainment” licenses for premises at 1278 Gorham Street. Attorney Catherine Flood spoke for the proposed licensees. She reviewed the experience and work history of the three executives of the corporation. They requested that the premises be amended to include a proposed outdoor patio area. Atty. Flood also discussed how the previous owner, Jim Boutin, of the business would be staying on to help facilitate the change in ownership and to support business operations while the new owners learned the ropes. Commissioner Howe applauded Mr. Boutin for his generosity and the opportunity he was providing this next generation of restauranteurs. At the hearing, no one spoke in favor or opposition to the application for a transfer of license. Move approval by Commissioner Howe; seconded by Commissioner Krieger. 5 yeas, APPROVED. 5. Application by Merrimack Repertory Theatre, John Dyson House Manager, for "Special One Day License to sell/dispense Malt Beverages and Wines only," for fifteen performances of "Back Together Again: The Music of Roberta Flack and Donny Hathaway", sixteen performances of "Best Summer Ever", and sixteen performances of "Woody Sez: The Life and Music of Woody Guthrie" at Lowell Memorial Auditorium, 50 East Merrimack Street. Commissioner Descoteaux noted MRT’s House Manager’s excellent history of managing the theatre, and the other commissioners agreed. Move approval by Commissioner Howe; seconded by Commissioner Donahue. 5 yeas, APPROVED. Page 2 of 3 City of Lowell License Commission | 375 Merrimack St. Lowell, MA 01852 Lowell License Commission | Meeting Minutes for March 24, 2022 6. Option to continue discussion regarding Promoter Licenses. Chairperson Descoteaux recognized Commissioner Donahue, who presented a summary of the question at hand and his thoughts on the matter. The Commissioners all expressed consensus that: 1. The purpose of a Promoter License is to promote public safety by communicating, in advance, about events that might bring in larger than normal crowds so that City services can be prepared. 2. The onus of Promoter Licenses should be on the bar, not the promoter. 3. The Commission needs help defining “promoter.” 4. They would like legal advice/opinion/guidance to further define “promoter” and to revise the regulation. No motions made; expectation stated that discussion will continue when opinion and/or guidance can be provided by the Law Department. ADJOURNMENT: Commissioner Howe made a motion to adjourn at 18:23; seconded by Commissioner Chhan. 5 yeas, APPROVED. Submitted by: John Pyers Executive Secretary ✻ Page 3 of 3 City of Lowell License Commission | 375 Merrimack St. Lowell, MA 01852