License Commission

Lowell License Commission | Meeting Minutes for 2025.05.01 This meeting was held in City Council Chambers, second floor, City Hall, 375 Merrimack St. on Thursday, May 1, 2025, at 6:00 PM, and by Zoom invitation. Video of this meeting is available: https://www.youtube.com/live/juUrh3Dp9vQ?si=R-DZzyJT0boDFeDM 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 April 17, 2025. Commissioner Krieger made a motion to approve the minutes, with the addition of the word “inquired,” for the meeting of Thursday, April 17, 2025; seconded by Commissioner Taing. 4 yeas (C. Donahue abstained), APPROVED. 1 Applications by Amanda Étinge, for three "Special One Day Licenses to sell/dispense Wines and Malt Beverages only," at the Hellenic Center, 41 Broadway Street for the following: • Sierra Leone's Independence Day on Saturday, May 3, 2025, 7 PM to 1:30 AM. • 60th Birthday Celebration on Saturday, May 17, 2025, 7 PM to 1:30 AM. • Bavideco USA Convention & Fundraiser on Saturday, May 24, 2025, 7 PM to 1:30 AM. Ms. Étinge joined the meeting via Zoom. She reviewed her events and her standard practice of hiring TIPS Certified bartenders. Move approval by Commissioner Donahue; seconded by Commissioner Krieger. 5 yeas, APPROVED. 2 Application by Stanley Tabi, for a "Special One Day License to sell/dispense Malt Beverages & Wines" for the annual MECA New England Fundraiser on Saturday, May 10, 2025, from 7 PM to Midnight at the Hellenic Center, 41 Broadway Street. Mr. Tabi participated through Zoom. He reviewed his event and his non-profit for Commissioner Howe. He confirmed for Commissioner Krieger that they’ve used police detail for issues, and he confirmed for Commissioner Donahue that he’s held the license before in Lowell. Move approval by Commissioner Krieger; seconded by Commissioner Mercier. 5 yeas, APPROVED. 3 Application by Penny Hamourgas for an "Amplified Outdoor Public Entertainment" permit for Lowell's May Jam Session on May 17, 2025, from Noon to 5 PM at Worthen House, 141 and 152 Worthen Street. Ms. Hamourgas appeared before the Commission in Council Chambers. She explained that she was partnering with the City to hold the event. She clarified for the Commissioners what the ‘setup’ would be for the outdoor event. City of Lowell License Commission | 375 Merrimack St. Lowell, MA 01852 Page 1 of 3 Lowell License Commission | Meeting Minutes for 2025.05.01 Move approval by Commissioner Donahue; seconded by Commissioner Krieger. 5 yeas, APPROVED. 4 Application by Vasa Traders LLC d/b/a Subway, Vishal Amin, LLC Manager, for Common Victualler license at 254 Merrimack St. Vishal Amin appeared before the Commission in meeting. Commission Chair Howe confirmed with the Secretary that all required certifications were in order; they were. Move approval by Commissioner Krieger; seconded by Commissioner Taing. 5 yeas, APPROVED. 5 Public hearing for an application by MBOA Alliance LLC [d/b/a] Sahel Restaurant & Lounge to alter licensed premises for the "All Alcoholic Beverages" restaurant license at 135 Central Street. Peter Tamajong, License Manager. Mr. Tamajong appeared before the Commission in Chambers; he reviewed his application and confirmed he had met the requirements. At the hearing, no one spoke in favor or in opposition to the application. Move approval by Commissioner Donahue; seconded by Commissioner Taing. 5 yeas, APPROVED. 6 Public hearing for an application by New Star MA Inc [d/b/a] Koto Restaurant to alter the licensed premises for the "All Alcoholic Beverages" restaurant license at 76 Merrimack Street. Deven Kenison, License Manager. Mr. Kenison appeared before the Commission in Chambers. Commission Chair Howe noted that in her review she saw the various requirements were met. At the hearing, no one spoke in favor or in opposition to the application. Move approval by Commissioner Krieger; seconded by Commissioner Mercier. 5 yeas, APPROVED. 7 Communication from Law Department regarding the use of the word "furnishing" with regard to M.G.L. c. 138, § 34: Sale, delivery or furnishing alcoholic beverages to persons under twenty-one years of age. Commission Chair Howe thanked City Solicitor Wood for the memorandum clarifying “furnishing.” Mr. Nick Petrakos asked to speak to the Board and was granted permission. He confirmed receipt of the memo, as in the 4/17/2025 L.C. Meeting, the Secretary was directed to provide him with a copy. Mr. Petrakos asked if the matter of his hearings (concerning underage patrons) could be addressed in this meeting instead of continuing at the next meeting on May 15, 2025. Commission Chair Howe explained that the Commission can’t hold hearings or discuss such matters if they are not on the agenda. She also explained that because the requested continuation of the hearing (originally started on 4/17/2025) was scheduled to take place on May 15, 2025, the Commission had to keep that agreed upon and publicly documented schedule. City of Lowell License Commission | 375 Merrimack St. Lowell, MA 01852 Page 2 of 3 Lowell License Commission | Meeting Minutes for 2025.05.01 8 Communications from Licensees regarding incidents at their establishments. Commission Chair Howe noted that she appreciated the communications from the Acre Village Pub and the Village Smokehouse. ADJOURNMENT: Commissioner Krieger made a motion to adjourn at 18:15, seconded by Commissioner Donahue. 5 yeas, APPROVED. Submitted by: John Pyers Executive Secretary ✻ City of Lowell License Commission | 375 Merrimack St. Lowell, MA 01852 Page 3 of 3