License Commission

Lowell License Commission | Meeting Minutes for 2024.10.10 This meeting was held in City Council Chambers, second floor, City Hall, 375 Merrimack St. on Thursday, September 26, 2024, at 6:00 PM, and by Zoom. Video of this meeting is available: https://www.youtube.com/live/H3dDFSNl5is?si=2PeefiMB93HLtdj7 ROLL CALL: On a roll call at 18:00, members present were, namely: Commission Chair Howe, Commissioner Krieger, Commissioner Donahue, Commissioner Mercier, and Commissioner Taing. MINUTES: 0 Acceptance of the meeting minutes for September 26, 2024. Commissioner Krieger made a motion to approve minutes for the meeting of Thursday, September 26, 2024, provided they are amended to clarify that the Chair requested a meeting with the City Solicitor and the City Manager; corrected minutes seconded by Commissioner Donahue. 3 yeas, 2 abstentions (C. Mercier, C. Taing), APPROVED. 1 Application by Kah Ndi, for a "Special One Day License to sell/dispense All Alcoholic Beverages," for the 2025 Community Fundraiser for Lowell Youth Leadership Program, to be held on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, from 5 to 10 PM at UTEC, 35 Warren Street. The applicant did not appear before the Commission. 2 Applications by Patrick Fitzgibbons, General Manager for Aramark at Tsongas Center, for fifteen "Special One Day Licenses to sell/dispense Malt Beverages and Wines only," for basketball game concessions at Costello Gym, 261 Riverside Street, on UML North Campus. Schedule of games' dates & times provided. The applicant did not appear before the Commission. *See supplemental at end of meeting. 3 Applications by Patrick Fitzgibbons, General Manager for Aramark at Tsongas Center, for two "Special One Day Licenses to sell/dispense Malt Beverages and Wines only." The first is for the Parker Lecture series at Allen House, from 5 to 7 PM on Wednesday, October 23, 2024, at 2 Solomont Way; the second is for Riviera University Athletics reception from 5 to 7 PM on Monday, November 4, 2024, at Saab Emerging Technologies & Innovation Center, 40 University Avenue. The applicant did not appear before the Commission. *See supplemental at end of meeting. 4 Application by Suzanne Hodge, for two "Special One Day License to sell/dispense Wines only," for two receptions for their exhibit "Living in America" on Friday, October 25, 2024, from 5 to 8 PM and on Sunday, October 27, 2024, from 2 to 4:30 PM at the Loading Dock Gallery, 122 Western Avenue. Suzanne Hodge joined the meeting via Zoom. She reviewed her events, the first a part of the City’s “Gallery Nights” and “Busker Series,” and the second to close out the art show. She noted for Commissioner Howe that she anticipated 50‐100 guests and that she’s held the license before. City of Lowell License Commission | 375 Merrimack St. Lowell, MA 01852 Page 1 of 3 Lowell License Commission | Meeting Minutes for 2024.10.10 Commissioner Donahue asked about her bartenders, and Ms. Hodge stated that she planned on having TIPS Certified bartenders. Move approval by Commissioner Krieger; seconded by Commissioner Donahue. 5 yeas, APPROVED. 5 Application by PJ Mercier, Navigation Brewing Co. for a "Special One Day License to sell/dispense Wines and Malt Beverages only," for 'Pumpkins & Pints,' to be held on Saturday, October 26, 2024, from 1 to 5 PM In Enterprise Bank's lot, 222 Merrimack Street. The applicant did not appear before the Commission. *See supplemental at end of meeting. 6 Application by Amanda Étinge, for a "Special One Day License to sell/dispense Wines and Malt Beverages only," for an "All White Party" from 7:30 PM to 1:30 AM starting Saturday, October 19, 2024, at the Hellenic Center, 41 Broadway Street. Amanda Étinge joined the meeting on Zoom. She reviewed her event, noting that she’d have about 200 guests and four bartenders. She confirmed for Commissioner Krieger that she would have red wine. Move approval by Commissioner Donahue; seconded by Commissioner Mercier. 5 yeas, APPROVED. 7 Application by Emmanuel Cano, LLC Manager of Velazquez LLC [d/b/a] Holly Crab, for a Common Victualler License for 16 Merrimack Street. Emmanuel Cano appeared before the Commission in Council Chambers. He explained for Commissioner Donahue that he reopened the business. Move approval by Commissioner Donahue; seconded by Commissioner Taing. 5 yeas, APPROVED. 8 Request for a public hearing to amend an "All Alcoholic Beverages" restaurant license for G&AA LLC [d/b/a] Fuse Bistro, for change of officers, ownership interest, and change of manager for premises at 103 Market Street. It is requested that legal notice be published in local newspaper, and public hearing be held on November 7, 2024, at 6 PM. Motion made by Commissioner Taing to hold public hearings at the November 7, 2024, meeting of the Lowell License Commission, seconded by Commissioner Mercier. 5 yeas, APPROVED. 9 ABCC Notice of Appeal – Smokehouse No comment. * Supplemental: Commissioner Howe confirmed that the next meeting of the Commission was scheduled for November 7, 2024, and that some of the applicants who did not appear before the Commission had City of Lowell License Commission | 375 Merrimack St. Lowell, MA 01852 Page 2 of 3 Lowell License Commission | Meeting Minutes for 2024.10.10 events scheduled before the next meeting. She asked the Commission to consider allowing the events because the applicants regularly come before the Commission for the same type of events. Motion by Commissioner Krieger to allow applicants for agenda items 2, 3, and 5 to receive license and attend the November 7, 2024, meeting of the Lowell License Commission for ratification; seconded by Commissioner Donahue. 5 yeas, APPROVED. ADJOURNMENT: Commissioner Krieger made a motion to adjourn at 18:10, seconded by Commissioner Taing. 5 yeas, APPROVED. Submitted by: John Pyers Executive Secretary ✻ City of Lowell License Commission | 375 Merrimack St. Lowell, MA 01852 Page 3 of 3