License Commission

Lowell License Commission | Meeting Minutes for 2024.05.23 This meeting was held in City Council Chambers, second floor, City Hall, 375 Merrimack St. on Thursday, May 23, 2024, at 6:00 PM, and by Zoom. Video of this meeting is available: https://www.youtube.com/live/ECrbSMXrCGM?si=Hw_2CYvz‐1kGPiYU ROLL CALL: On a roll call at 18:00, members present were, namely: Commissioner Krieger, Commissioner Donahue, Commissioner Mercier, and Commissioner Taing. Commission Chair Howe was absent MINUTES: 0 Acceptance of the meeting minutes for May 9, 2024. Commissioner Donahue made a motion to approve the minutes for the meeting of Thursday, April 25, 2024; seconded by Commissioner Mercier. 4 yeas, APPROVED. 1 Application by Ben Opara, for a "Special Events Permit for Amplified Outdoor Public Entertainment," for announcements and live & recorded music to be performed at the African Festival, Saturday, June 8, 2024, from 11:00 to 7:00 PM at Sampas Pavilion, 160 Pawtucket Boulevard. Mr. Opara and Ms. Zoe Dzineku spoke about their event. Acting Commission Chair Krieger asked if they planned alcohol for the event, to which they replied “No.” Move approval by Commissioner Mercier; seconded by Commissioner Donahue. 4 yeas, APPROVED. 2 Application by Hayley Williams, Lowell Community Health Center, for a "Special Events Permit for Amplified Outdoor Public Entertainment," for a block party with live and recorded music to be held Friday, June 14, 2024, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at 273 Summer Street. Rain date is June 21. Ms. Williams explained that she works for the City Health Department. At Commissioner Donahue’s request, she reviewed the event in detail for the Commission and explained the goals of the block party. Move approval by Commissioner Donahue; seconded by Commissioner Mercier. 4 yeas, APPROVED. 3 Application by Steve Mendonca, for a "Special Events Permit for Amplified Outdoor Public Entertainment," for announcements and live & recorded music to be performed at the St. Anthony Feast, Saturday and Sunday, June 8‐9, 2024, at St. Anthony's Parish, 893 Central Street. Steve Mendonca and Fatima Pemintel spoke about their event and confirmed that no alcohol would be present. Move approval by Commissioner Mercier; seconded by Commissioner Taing. 4 yeas, APPROVED. 4 Application by Hector Luna for "Special Events Permits for Amplified Outdoor Public Entertainment," for youth‐led church services to be held Fridays and Saturdays from May 24 to September 28, 2024, 6 to 10 PM on Church grounds at the Fifth Street Baptist Church, 28 W 5th Street. City of Lowell License Commission | 375 Merrimack St. Lowell, MA 01852 Page 1 of 4 Lowell License Commission | Meeting Minutes for 2024.05.23 Pastor Charlie Luna spoke to the Commission. He explained the summer youth program and noted that this has been an annual event for a few years. Move approval by Commissioner Donahue; seconded by Commissioner Mercier. 4 yeas, APPROVED. 5 Application by Gregory Curtis for three "Special One Day Licenses to sell/dispense Malt Beverages & Wines" and for three "Amplified Outdoor Public Entertainment" permits for the Greek Festival. Event to be held June 21, 22, and 23, 2023 on the Hellenic American Academy grounds, 41 Broadway Street. Attorney Gregory Curtis appeared in Council Chambers to speak for the Hellenic Orthodox Church. He reviewed the history and footprint of the festival. Commissioner Donahue asked if the bartenders were TIPS Certified, to which Mr. Curtis explained that they are Safe Serve Certified. Move approval by Commissioner Mercier; seconded by Commissioner Taing. 4 yeas, APPROVED. 6 Applications by Marta Rodrigues for three "Special One Day Licenses to sell/dispense Malt Beverages & Wines" and three Amplification permits for the Sao Joao Feast. Event to be held on June 21, 22, 23, 2024 at the Portuguese American Lowell Youth Center, 739 Central Street. Ms. Rodrigues spoke of the annual event. At Commissioner Donahue’s request, she reaffirmed that the event is not a youth event; it’s just held in the parking lot of a Youth Center. She also noted for the Commissioners that her bartenders are TIPS Certified. Move approval by Commissioner Donahue; seconded by Commissioner Mercier. 4 yeas, APPROVED. 7 Applications by Joel Mongeon and Fionna Brennan for seven "Special One Day Licenses to sell/dispense Malt Beverages & Wines" for events that will be held at Mill No. 5, 250 Jackson Street on: • Thursday, June 6, 2024, 4:00‐9:00 PM for the "E for All" entrepreneurial pitch contest. • Friday, June 7, 2024, 6:00‐11:30 PM for a concert. • Saturday, June 8, 2024, 6:00‐11:30 PM for a concert. • Saturday, June 29, 2024, 4:00‐10:00 PM for a private party. • Saturday, August 10, 2024, 5:00‐11:00 PM for a drag show. • Friday, August 23, 2024, 6:00‐11:30 PM for a concert. • Saturday, August 24, 2024, 12:00‐6:00 pm for a Vintage Market. Ms. Fionna Brennan spoke for Mill No. 5. She confirmed their staff’s training and the Commission noted they have held this license many times before. Move approval by Commissioner Donahue; seconded by Commissioner Mercier. 4 yeas, APPROVED. 8 Application by Kilian Nyamka, for four "Special One Day Licenses to sell/dispense Wines and Malt Beverages only," for an Afo‐Akom Annual Convention from 6 PM to 2 AM, Thursday through Saturday, June 13‐15, 2024, and 9 AM to 3 PM Sunday, June 16, at the Hellenic Center, 41 Broadway Street. City of Lowell License Commission | 375 Merrimack St. Lowell, MA 01852 Page 2 of 4 Lowell License Commission | Meeting Minutes for 2024.05.23 Kilian Nyamka joined the meeting via Zoom. He reviewed his event and explained some of the origin of the organization and purpose of the convention. He confirmed that his bartenders are TIPS Certified and that the function hall would be well under capacity for this event. Move approval by Commissioner Taing; seconded by Commissioner Mercier. 4 yeas, APPROVED. 9 Public hearing to amend the premises for an "All Alcoholic Beverages" Restaurant license for G&AA LLC [d/b/a] Fuse Bistro, 45 Palmer Street. Scott Pelletier, License Manager for Fuse Bistro, appeared before the Commission and reviewed his application. At the public hearing, no one spoke in favor of or in opposition to granting the license. Move approval by Commissioner Mercier; seconded by Commissioner Donahue. 4 yeas, APPROVED. 10 Public hearing to amend the premises for an "All Alcoholic Beverages" Restaurant license for Kandon Inc [d/b/a] The Old Court Irish Pub and Restaurant, 29 Central Street. Finbarr Sheehan, License Manager for The Old Court Irish Pub and Restaurant, appeared before the Commission and reviewed his application. At the public hearing, no one spoke in favor of or in opposition to granting the license. Move approval by Commissioner Donahue; seconded by Commissioner Mercier. 4 yeas, APPROVED. 11 Public hearing to amend the premises for an "All Alcoholic Beverages" Restaurant license for Warp and Weft LLC, for premises at 197 and 189 Market Street. Craig Faulkner, License Manager for Warp & Weft LLC, appeared before the Commission and reviewed his application. At the public hearing, no one spoke in favor of or in opposition to granting the license. Move approval by Commissioner Mercier; seconded by Commissioner Taing. 4 yeas, APPROVED. 12 Public hearing to amend the premises for an "All Alcoholic Beverages" Restaurant license for Mariachi Foods Inc [d/b/a] El Potro Mexican Grill, 124 Merrimack Street. Joseph Carreiro, License Manager for El Potro Mexican Grill, appeared before the Commission and reviewed his application. At the public hearing, no one spoke in favor of or in opposition to granting the license. Move approval by Commissioner Donahue; seconded by Commissioner Taing. 4 yeas, APPROVED. 13 Public hearing for an application by Jay Shakti Retail LLC [d/b/a] Discount Beer & Wine, Mittal Patel, proposed license manager, for transfer of a "Wines and Malt Beverages" Package Store license for premises at 220 Appleton Street. City of Lowell License Commission | 375 Merrimack St. Lowell, MA 01852 Page 3 of 4 Lowell License Commission | Meeting Minutes for 2024.05.23 Attorney Brian Akashian appeared before the Commission with the proposed license manager, Mittal Patel, and business partner, Vishal Patel. Mr. Akashian reviewed the application and, at Commissioner Donahue’s request, reviewed the financing in more detail. At the public hearing, no one spoke in favor of or in opposition to granting the license. Move approval by Commissioner Mercier; seconded by Commissioner Taing. 4 yeas, APPROVED. 14 Public hearing for an application by DCASSB Inc., LLC [d/b/a] All Star Lounge, David Cruz Colon, proposed license manager for an "All Alcoholic Beverages" restaurant license for premises at 160 Merrimack Street. Attorney Michael Zaim appeared before the Commission with the proposed license manager, David Cruz, and business partner, Viselle Guayabo. Mr. Zaim reviewed the application, and the proposed license manager’s previous experience as a license holder and business owner in downtown Lowell. Commissioners asked Captain Peaslee to comment on LPD’s experience with the previously licensed business; Captain Peaslee noted that LPD only had positive interactions with Mr. Cruz and his previous business. At the public hearing, no one spoke in favor of or in opposition to granting the license. Move approval by Commissioner Donahue; seconded by Commissioner Mercier. 4 yeas, APPROVED. 15 Request for a public hearing to amend the premises for an "All Alcoholic Beverages" Restaurant license for Athenian Corner Restaurant and Lounge Inc., for premises at 207 Market Street. It is requested that legal notice be published in local newspaper, and public hearing be held on June 13, 2024, at 6 PM. Motion made by Commissioner Donahue to hold a public hearing at the May 23, 2024, meeting of the Lowell License Commission, seconded by Commissioner Taing. 4 yeas, APPROVED. ADJOURNMENT: Commissioner Mercier made a motion to adjourn at 18:39, seconded by Commissioner Donahue. 4 yeas, APPROVED. Submitted by: John Pyers Executive Secretary ✻ City of Lowell License Commission | 375 Merrimack St. Lowell, MA 01852 Page 4 of 4