License Commission

Lowell License Commission | Meeting Minutes for 2025.06.26 This meeting was held in City Council Chambers, second floor, City Hall, 375 Merrimack St. on Thursday, June 26, 2025, at 6:00 PM, and by Zoom invitation. Video of this meeting is available: https://www.youtube.com/live/owrJbIgCdPM?si=XJZ39c7BuLLCH5eR ROLL CALL: On a roll call at 18:00, members present were, namely: Commission Interim-Chair Donahue, Commissioner Krieger, and Commissioner Mercier. Commissioner Taing was absent. MINUTES: 0 Acceptance of the meeting minutes for June 12, 2025. Commissioner Krieger made a motion to approve the minutes for the meeting of Thursday, June 12, 2025; seconded by Commissioner Mercier. 3 yeas, 1 absent (C. Taing), APPROVED. 1 Applications by Lee Viliesis, Lowell Festival Foundation, for four "Special Events Permits for Amplified Outdoor Public Entertainment," for the 2025 Lowell Folk Festival, to be held on July 24 for soundcheck, and 25, 26, 27, 2025, at four locations: Boarding House Park, St. Anne’s churchyard, JFK Plaza & Arcand Drive, & Market Street. Ms. Viliesis, Executive Director of the Lowell Festival Foundation, appeared before the Commission. She spoke to the funding and explained the scope of the amplification at the Festival. Move approval by Commissioner Krieger; seconded by Commissioner Mercier. 3 yeas, 1 absent (C. Taing), APPROVED. 2 Applications by Corey Belanger, Lowell Festival Foundation, for 10 "Special One Day Licenses to sell/dispense Alcohol" on festival grounds at the 2025 Lowell Folk Festival, to be held on July 25, 26, 27. • JFK Plaza - Arcand Drive "All Alcoholic Beverages" : Friday 6-10:00PM; Saturday 12-10:00PM; Sunday 12-6PM • John Street at Boarding House Park "Beer & Wine" : Friday 6-10:00PM; Saturday 12- 10:00PM; Sunday 12-6PM. • Market Street Stage "Beer & Wine" : Saturday 12-9PM & Sunday 12-6PM. City of Lowell Councilor Belanger appeared before the Commission in Council chambers. He noted that this is his seventeenth year of managing the alcohol service for the Lowell Folk Festival. Commissioner Donahue confirmed that Mr. Belanger is well acquainted with the regulations. Move approval by Commissioner Mercier; seconded by Commissioner Krieger. 3 yeas, 1 absent (C. Taing), APPROVED. City of Lowell License Commission | 375 Merrimack St. Lowell, MA 01852 Page 1 of 3 Lowell License Commission | Meeting Minutes for 2025.06.26 3 Application by Hanna Lutz, The Sweet Bar, for a "Special Events Permit for Amplified Outdoor Public Entertainment," for live and recorded music seasonally between June 27 and November 1, 2025, between Noon and 9 PM, at 500 Pawtucket Street. Ms. Hanna Lutz appeared before the Commission. She reviewed her Ice Cream Stand’s plans for entertainment during the summer and into the fall. Move approval by Commissioner Mercier; seconded by Commissioner Krieger. 3 yeas, 1 absent (C. Taing), APPROVED. 4 Application by Jennie Mercado for four "Special Events Permits for Amplified Outdoor Public Entertainment," for Religious Service & Singing on Saturday, July 12; Saturday, July 26; Saturday, August 9; and Tuesday, August 26, 2025, at Summer Street along South Common Park on the sidewalk only. Application postponed by applicant. 5 Application by Nancy Torres for a "Special One Day License to sell/dispense Malt Beverages and Wines Only" for the first Caribbean Festival of Lowell, to be held Sunday, August 31, 2025, from Noon to 9PM on JFK Plaza, 50 Arcand Drive. Application postponed by applicant. 6 Ratification of an application by Robert Dorris, Aramark, for a "Special One Day License to sell/dispense Malt Beverages & Wines" for the City of Lowell's 4th of July Fireworks at LeLacheur Park from 6 to 9PM, 450 Aiken Street. Rain date is July 5. Secretary Pyers confirmed that he erred in labelling this agenda item “ratification,” as the event hasn’t taken place yet. Mr. Dorris spoke for Aramark in Council Chambers. Move approval by Commissioner Krieger; seconded by Commissioner Mercier. 3 yeas, 1 absent (C. Taing), APPROVED. 7 Applications by Steve Syverson, for three "Special One Day Licenses to sell/dispense Wines only," for the following events at Arts League of Lowell, 307 Market Street: • Saturday, June 21, 2025, 3-5 PM: "Fault Lines & Flyovers" Reception. (Ratification) • Saturday, July 19, 2025, 3-5 PM: "Nature's Treasures" Reception. • Saturday, August 9, 2025, 3-5 PM: "Flora" Reception. Mr. Syverson appeared before the Commission. He reviewed his events, noting for Commissioner Krieger that Flyovers was still showing through the weekend. Move approval by Commissioner Krieger; seconded by Commissioner Mercier. 3 yeas, 1 absent (C. Taing), APPROVED. 8&9 Motion to take items 8 & 9 together by Commissioner Mercier; seconded by Commissioner Krieger. 3 yeas, 1 absent (C. Taing), APPROVED City of Lowell License Commission | 375 Merrimack St. Lowell, MA 01852 Page 2 of 3 Lowell License Commission | Meeting Minutes for 2025.06.26 8 Application by Rancho Tipico Inc., Gary De los Santos, Corporate Officer, for Common Victualler license at 11 Salem Street. 9 Application by El Tipico Bakery Inc., Gary De los Santos, Corporate Officer, for Common Victualler license at 474 Merrimack Street. Mr. De los Santos appeared before the Commission to speak about his businesses. Commissioner Donahue confirmed that Mr. De los Santos is also the owner of Gary’s Tipico on Andover Street (which is holder of an on-premises alcoholic beverages license). 8&9 Move approval of both items 8 and 9 by Commissioner Krieger; seconded by Commissioner Mercier. 3 yeas, 1 absent (C. Taing), APPROVED. 10 Update from the City of Lowell Law Department regarding the Commission's concerns pertaining to minors (under 18 years old) and adults underage for alcohol consumption (over 18 and under 21 years old) being in establishments licensed to serve alcohol. Commissioner Donahue thanked Solicitor Wood for providing the update. Commissioner Krieger expressed reservations about the option to permit bars to operate in the City of Lowell. Motion to accept and place on file by Commissioner Krieger; seconded by Commissioner Mercier. 3 yeas, 1 absent (C. Taing), APPROVED. ADJOURNMENT: Commissioner Krieger made a motion to adjourn at 18:18, seconded by Commissioner Donahue. 3 yeas, 1 absent (C. Taing), APPROVED. Submitted by: John Pyers Executive Secretary Minutes are prepared mainly per RONR(12th ed.) 48:2. ✻ City of Lowell License Commission | 375 Merrimack St. Lowell, MA 01852 Page 3 of 3