Good afternoon. Thank you all for joining. We'll give just a moment to clear the waiting room. As a reminder, when you are entering from the waiting room, please do remain on mute unless or until you are presenting or providing testimony before the entertainment division.
Good afternoon. This is an administrative hearing before the mayor's office of consumer affairs and licensing. Today is Thursday, November 20th, 2025. This hearing is being conducted pursuant to temporary amendments to the open meeting law. That is what allows us to meet virtually. This hearing is being
recorded and will be posted to the city of Boston's website. We're joined today by the executive director of the mayor's office of consumer affairs and licensing, Kathleen Joyce. I'll read each item on this afternoon's agenda into the record in the order that they appear. I will then ask who is
present on behalf of each applicant. You'll make a brief presentation regarding your proposal, followed by questions by the entertainment division, and there will be an opportunity for testimony beginning with elected officials or their representatives. For members of the general public who wish to testify, please limit your
testimony to two minutes and please state your name, address, and affiliation if any. The first item on this afternoon's agenda is Parson CC Selfie Opco LLC doing business as common craft located at 85 Damrell Street. The application is
to add the live entertainment categories of disc jockey and instrumental vocal music up to six performers 7 days a week until 11:00 p.m. both inside and on the outdoor patio. who is present on behalf of the applicant. >> Uh good afternoon, uh Director Joyce,
Attorney Green, uh attorney Nick Soula, McDermac, Quilty, Miller, and Hanley. Uh here on behalf of the applicant, uh with me today, I see is Larry Liowitz, who's the LLC manager, uh and proposed manager
of record. Um this is, uh a proposed, uh common craft restaurant. Uh it's at 85 Damrell Street uh which is in the new Washington Village development uh in the Andrew Square neighborhood uh of South
Boston. Premises is just shy of 8,000 square ft. Uh it's on one floor uh and consists of about 6,400 square feet of interior space uh and um a seasonal outdoor patio of just shy of 1,600
square ft uh which is on private property. Uh there is a proposed overall uh restaurant closing hour of 1:00 a.m. uh as well. Uh likely only going to be operating until then on on the weekend nights of Thursday, Friday, Saturday. Uh and then the patio uh proposed closing
hour of 11 p.m. Again, typical hours. Uh the general theme is for a fullervice restaurant. Um it's going to have an associated tap and tasting room, wine bar, and kind of a speak easy style cocktail bar. So really kind of three
custom environments kind of under one roof. Uh a mixology room, a wine room, and kind of a common area. uh each of these spaces will kind of have its own DNA, unique design elements, etc. Uh we did uh provide before the hearing uh to
to Moal uh just a presentation which shows kind of these details if you've had the chance to review. Um it will have a bunch of custom art installations uh basically paying homage to crafts people with their different stories and uh you know all the restaurant uh folks
who and their tools and how uh they've historically been used. And the idea for the concept is to bring these kind of trades and stories uh to the forefront through design, education of staff, event activations, marketing etc.
um as it pertains specifically to the live entertainment. Um it's really meant to be an accompaniment uh to the overall restaurant experience. This is not a a standalone live entertainment venue whatsoever. Um it's really that the planned and likely live entertainment
will be things like a small band for background music, a jazz brunch, uh perhaps a DJ spinning hip-hop records in the background. again really as an accompaniment to the overall restaurant experience. Um, finally, lots of
combined uh experience in the industry. Uh, Larry and his team uh opened Common Craft in Burlington in May of 2022. Um, so uh almost four years now. I'm sure it seems like yesterday for Larry, but it's been open for almost four years now. Uh
um they were, if you may recall, approved by the Boston Licensing Board for an all alcohol uh liquor license uh in October of last year, so a little over a year ago. And since then, they've been in full swing on construction. Uh they do have a planned opening in
January. Um so it is under construction. It's taken a little bit of time to get there, but um they are under construction and the hope, I think, uh is for a planned opening at the end of January. And I'll just finally say that we did uh meet during this entire process with the Andrew Square Civic
Association. Uh we did submit a submit a letter of support uh um from that group uh for the concept and for the live entertainment. So um happy to pause here uh madam director and Larry and I can answer any questions you may have.
>> Sure. Um, and I obviously remember this application on the alcohol side, but I want to spend some time digging into the entertainment. >> Y >> um, South Boston is a neighborhood now that we're seeing a lot of different types of entertainment. Uh, lots of new developments, lots of new residents where there weren't residents living
before, which means a lot of noise complaints that we're getting. So, can you talk me through what kind of entertainment is going to be on the outdoor patio? Can you talk me through what kind of sound mitigation was done at this location? I understand it's a new building, so a lot of that might
have been built into it. Um, and um, from my perspective when I drive by, it's a lot of residents around. So, um, talk to me about sound monitoring, what you plan to do to make sure you're within the sound ordinance, and, you
know, are you going to be logging um, sound measurements? Um, and how are you going to work with people who live in the area and that may have complaints about sound being too loud? >> Sure, absolutely. Uh, Larry, I don't
know if you've thought I mean, I know it's still under construction. If you want to touch on a few of the questions. Um again we did you know I think generally the idea is uh as I had mentioned for the entertainment to be you know really an accompaniment to
diners and patrons and people who are there eating. Um so the idea is not to drown them out with loud music or loud entertainment because that would uh you know not really be conducive to a great dining environment. But Larry, do you
want to address some of those specific questions? And Larry, before you start, specifically on the outdoor patio, is there going to be like the band, the DJs there, or is that just going to be speakers, you know, with a bringing the music from inside outside? That's kind of what I'm trying to get at.
>> Yeah. Uh, so that that'll just be speakers um bringing the music from the inside to the outside. And um to address your concern, we've had an extensive um uh look at this for sound mitigation uh working with the landlord who is um who
is equally as concerned on on sound. Whereas we have um engaged a um an audio um an audio firm called to do a a thorough um evaluation and um and
monitoring of uh of the sound premise. And that's built the the notion of how we're going to how we're constructing the ceiling and how we're doing insulation for sound protection given that there's residents directly above the restaurant. So, it's very much top
of mind the the idea that there are residents around us. [clears throat] In fact, uh very much so that there's residents right above the restaurant where we are um putting spacers in between the ceiling, creating a second ceiling grid and then using foam
insulation and other um other um other construction adhesives to uh to mitigate against um against sound penetration. >> Okay. Um that's helpful. So there'll be just speakers outside. I recommend you
have the speakers um facing the patio, not the neighborhood. >> Yes. Uh so it's proposed for um for two speakers and it's really just to it's really just for the sound to carry to our patio area which um which
encompasses um a side portion of the building. Uh that green space is is is not our is not our space nor do we plan on entertaining that space. >> Okay. And then do you do you plan I mean you're not opening till January, but I highly recommend maybe it's already part of your business plan to have some sort
of app or some sort of physical sound monitoring machine. Um and familiarize yourself with the noise ordinance. Um those are important things. You know, you might not think the sound is traveling, but the way those buildings are built, it could bounce. It could
people could be feeling it across the street up in their apartment. Um, these are things we hear daily and um um and I also recommend having a 24-hour contact for anyone um should they have a complaint so that you can turn these
things down in real time. >> Sure. Understood. >> Okay. And then tell me about the um community meeting. What kind of concerns were raised regarding this entertainment request? I don't recall there being any any
issues uh raised during the community meeting. Um we did have discussions about the closing hour uh being 1:00 a.m. uh for the the liquor license and the restaurant in general. Um I I don't recall there being any large input as to
the entertainment basically. I think because of it being an accompaniment, you know, the again, not necessarily being a place that's going to be a destination for entertainment, per se. >> Okay. >> The destination being the restaurant and the overall experience. Larry, you can
you you can um correct me if I'm wrong, but I I don't remember there being major issues with the entertainment, but I do think it was mostly based on who the operator was, the fact that it was new construction, all the things that Larry mentioned from a sound uh you know,
attenuation standpoint, right? Um I I don't recall there being much of an issue. And again, I think a lot of it had to do with it being a new it is a newly constructed building where some of the modern sound issues can be dealt with ahead of time. Um but yeah, no I
and Larry, I don't think there was much at all about the entertainment. >> No. No. In fact, I didn't hear anything um it was um the the concept was very welcome. I mean, um, as far as us being, uh, a steward of the of the space and and and part of the neighborhood
experience and, um, and delivering food and beverage and entertainment in a in a very, um, respectful way. >> Okay. Um, I just want to confirm, um, you're not going to be moving tables and chairs for people to dance.
>> Okay. And then how many instrumental vocalists? I think it's for six. >> Is that right? Yes. >> On the application. >> Okay. Um, >> do you anticipate using any sort of
promoters bringing promoters in? >> No. >> Okay. >> No, we don't. We don't. No. M, madame director, we don't anticipate any promoters. No cover charges. Um, none of that type of stuff. I mean, unless it
was very specific, but no, that's not the plan. >> And will you have security staff? >> We we we'll have we won't have dedicated security staff, but we'll have staff that are trained on on crowd control uh throughout the shifts of the build of the restaurant opening.
>> Okay. Then will you have security cameras on the premise? >> We will. We have uh 16 cameras both inside and outside in addition to the uh several cameras that are on the perimeter of the South Standard Building from the landlord. >> And do you know how long they retain um
the security footage? >> Uh ours would retain it for 7 days. >> Okay. Um and just finally, if you wouldn't mind when you are ready to open submit to the board or to entertainment division a security plan um dispersal
emergency and operation plan, please so we can have that on file. >> Okay. >> Um okay, I don't have any other questions. We will see if there are any individuals uh with us who would like to testify on
this matter, beginning with elected officials or their representatives. >> Good afternoon, Madame Director. Sigy Johnson with the mayor's office of neighborhood services. This application underwent an ONS community process in conjunction with the application for a liquor license. The Andrew Square Civic
Association supported Common Craft as a concept and took no specific position on the entertainment component. We would ask that if there are any plans for entertainment after 11 p.m. that the applicant turn to our office and re-engage the community process. Thank you.
>> Thank you very much. I do see a hand raised from councelor Flynn's office. You may please provide your testimony. >> Y thank you. My name is Ashley from councelor Flynn's office. Councelor Flynn would like to go on record and support based on feedback from the Andrew Square Civic Association. Thank you.
>> Thank you very much. Are there any other individuals who would like to testify on this matter? >> If there are no others and no further questions, then the entertainment division will take this matter under advisement and we'll issue a written decision. Thank you. >> Thank you.
>> The next item on this afternoon's agenda is SGHC LLC doing business as Bombola located at 225 Northern Avenue. The application is to add the live entertainment categories of disc jockey, trivia, instrumental and vocal music up to five performers each, seven days a
week until 2 am. Who is present on behalf of the applicant? >> Good afternoon, Director Joyce, Secretary Green, Tom Miller from Dermaculty, Miller, and Hanley on behalf of the applicant SGHC port uh located at 25 uh 225 Northern A. Uh today I'm
joined by Richard Sullivan, the manager of record under the local license and proposed manager of record here, as well as Hiro Dominguez and Ty Dusti uh who are the remainder of the ownership team. Um as the board is aware, this team has extensive experience in the restaurant
industry. Uh they've worked con, you know, for more than two decades. Uh their portfolio includes spaces that the board is well aware of. uh the the um offices we're well aware of Foxhole on Newberry Street, Rock and Ryan the theater district as well as places
outside of the city, RFO Sullivans and uh Madre Oyster and Austria and Bar uh as well. Um the concept here just to refresh um everyone uh Bambalo evokes an Italian villa in the Gilded era. The
menu here includes uh interpretations of Roman c classics and southern Italian and Italian cuisine. Um it provides food that feels comfortable and familiar in a memorable way and in a grand and ornate environment. Um here the proposed
entertainment is to add to that experience without becoming the focus of the space or the night. Uh the DJ will allow uh them to control the way in which the music shifts and change to match the environment, the food and the
ambiance, uh the mood in the ambiance. um and to allow them to also control it on a songby-ong basis if they want to um kind of shift the feel and the the the environment of the space um in in the
same way just as a a song by song. Um ability to enhance the experience for their their customers. Um the live performances um the same it's the same idea. Uh it's just another option for them to enhance that experience.
um and offer something that's also not readily available in the Seapport area. There's not a whole lot of live music down there. Um both or the out the live music the the idea is here for live jazz and other music to act as a background um to enhance the experience of those
patrons but not become the main focus of the event. Uh add to things like their brunch or their afterwork experience. all live music and DJ. The idea here is that it will maintain at the level of background music or maybe slightly above background music but not I I said it
before not become the focus of the night. The focus here is the environment and the food and this is just a way to add and enhance um that experience for their customers. Uh the trivia being requested is on the same uh their customers um since coming in here uh
into the space. Richard, Tai, and Hiro have uh reached out and become um worked to become part of the building in the in the area. And a lot of the people who come down from the building uh have said, "Hey, there really isn't trivia in the area. There really isn't kind of a
way to connect and kind of make a a local watering hole type space." And as such they have had their customers ask them for trivia and things like that and because of that they want to provide it. Um the sound system here has been designed
in a thoughtful and uh thoughtful way to minimize uh any impact. They use smaller speakers spread throughout the space. This allows um their the team here to uh really cover the area with uh with sound
but without um be having to raise the volume. So everybody gets to experience the same sound but they don't have to crank the volume. It is a more intimate experience but at a lower level. Uh they specifically chose not to put subwoofers on any columns to prevent any transmission of sound up through the
building. It helps maintain the no the any noise that is created here in the space as they you know the space here is relatively newly built out in a relatively new newly built out building. Uh the space was originally designed with sound mitigation in mind but as the
team has updated the space here to match the concept of Bamba they have further uh made efforts to mitigate any sound emanating from the presence uh from the premise. Um, they've added noise dead noise deadening foam uh above the already existing drop ceilings. Both of
those things help keep any uh sound created inside the space. Um, the furniture and fixtures here are heavily upholstered, so that will also absorb the sound. And there also, you know, a lot of draperies which will help help um uh absorb the sound. Um, this
team here is is experienced. they understand um how to operate this in a way that will be a benefit to the community and not uh not affect it in any negative way. They're looking to just be, you know, add this as uh part
of the community and and um look forward to doing so. Uh I know you have questions, madam director, and we're happy to answer them instead of me just talking at you. >> No, thank you. Appreciate it. Some of my questions are standard and may sound crazy based upon your um description,
but we go through a checklist. Um could you please when you have a chance follow up with us with a floor plan and label on the floor plan where the entertainment area will be? >> Um and then can you confirm the capacity? Is it 236?
>> Uh that sounds right to me. >> Okay. Um and then just confirming the hours. Um inside 10 a.m. to 2 am 7 days and no outside entertainment. Right. >> There's no proposed outside entertainment. >> Okay. Um
let me see. No dancing by patrons? >> No. >> Okay. [clears throat] Any use of promoters or cover chargers? >> No. >> Okay. And do you have security staff? >> Yes, they have dedicated security staff. um not not heavily because this isn't a
you know that this isn't that type of environment but yes there will be security staff and there's also >> to step ahead there's also security and dispresso plan that we will provide >> thank you do you guys have cameras on the premise and how long do they record >> uh yes they do I do not know how long
they record I'll have to uh ask Richard to answer that part of the question >> um all right >> or hyro or tai >> okay um do you restrict ages after a certain an hour like is it 21 and plus 21 plus after
like 10 p.m. or something or >> Yes, sorry. Excuse me. Um yeah, we do about 9:00 now. >> Okay. >> Especially with the the ways, you know, with snowport in the area. Oh, >> okay. >> So, we Yeah. >> Okay. Um
let's see. Any issues that were raised in any community meeting or Butters meeting that you want to share? that we should be aware of. >> No specific issues were raised. Um there is uh because the ABUS meeting was held a
while ago. Um we're not 100% sure exactly how much of the um live performers were discussed. >> Okay. >> But we've been in communication with Norm and uh Seapport Neighborhood Association about that. Uh we're going to absolutely continue that conversation. Uh I know Norm's on here.
Um, so, uh, we're absolutely going to continue that conversation. Um, okay. >> We, you know, >> as I said and as you know, um, the focus here is just, you know, background music and enhancement of the experience, not >> they're not going to become a venue. No
promoters, no cover. So, but I'll let you continue. >> Thank you. Those are all the questions I have. You did a great job. Um, I have no other questions. >> Thank you. We will see. And I do see Normas here um who can maybe uh expound a little on the committee process. But first I'll ask there any individuals uh
who would like to testify on this matter beginning with elected officials or their representatives. >> Good afternoon madame director. Sigi Johnson with the office of neighborhood services. This applicant underwent an ONS community process in conjunction with an application for a liquor license. Uh Seport Neighborhood
Association initially supported a DJ for ambient music. They were not presented with information on the trivia or vocal music as vocal music aspect and would like more information on that aspect of the proposal. That background, our office would request that the board not issue any decision until the applicants
have fel uh followed up with Seeport Neighborhood Association and we defer further judgment to the board. Thank you. >> Thank you. I do see once again councelor Flynn's office with a hand raised. Do you may please provide your testimony. >> Thank you. My name is Ashley from councelor Flynn's office. Councelor Flynn respectfully requests that the
proponent to please work closely with neighbors in the Seapport Neighborhood Association to ensure both music and trivia remain at suitable levels to not adversely impact the quality of life for residents nearby. Thank you. >> Thank you very much. Are there any other individuals who would like to testify on
this matter? I see a hand raised from Costas Tingis. You may please provide your uh testimony. My >> name is Kas Tingis. I am the chief engineer here at Park Lane. Uh we manage the the building here at 225 Northern A. I just wanted to say they've been great tenants up to this point. Um they've
been very responsive for everything that we've asked of them. So um I'm on behalf of them getting this uh entertainment license. >> Thank you very much. And I also see a hand raised from Normland. You may please provide your testimony as well. >> Thank you very much. Normand Seapport Neighbor Association. Um Sigy described
it extremely well. Uh we were concerned because it felt like things had changed a little bit going from just uh background DJ music to being uh live entertainment trivia local watering hole kind of feel. Um the testimony we we've
communicated with attorney Miller and given those communications and what has gone on the meeting and uh the excellent questions asked by chairperson uh Joyce um we have no more issues and uh we are supportive of this uh application.
Thank you very much. The final hand I see raised is from Jennifer Hover. You may uh provide your testimony as well. >> Hi Jennifer Hover on behalf of Massport. I just wanted to share that we support this um this inventure for them.
>> Thank you very much. That actually might clear up the last question we would have had. So thank you. Um are there any other individuals who would like to testify on this matter? Seeing none, the entertainment division will take this application under advisement as well and will issue a written decision. Thank you.
>> Thank you. You >> the final item before the division this afternoon is Tall Ship Restaurant LLC doing business as Tall Ship at Pier 1 located at 1 East Pier Drive in East Boston. The application is to include additional entertainment including audio
devices, TVs, board games, up to five instrumentalists, game areas to include shuffleboard, botchi, ice hockey slapshot, a stage with an LED screen, and seasonal sports activities such as a skating rink and a hockey who's present on behalf of the applicant.
Good afternoon, Madame Chair, Attorney Green, Elizabeth Pisano from Upton, Canel, and Devlin Council for Tallships in East Boston at one East Pier Drive. Um, with me is the owner, Charlie Lner. Um this application is to amend their
existing entertainment license to add um five audio devices or audio devices, five widescreen TVs, board tables, instrumentals with five pieces, ice bumper cars, and ice skating. Um, this
application is in conjunction with the liquor license application to expand their license premises to add 120,000 square feet of outdoor space to build out this winter village experience. Um, so we are looking to amend the existing entertainment. Um, just to add the
entertainment on this new side of the pier. Um, during the colder months, the focus will be on familyfriendly winter activities like ice skating, bumper cars, hot hockey slapshots, warming huts, concession stands, decorative
lighting, landscaping to create um, a festive waterfront experience. And then the plan is to utilize the space year round um, in a way that is seasonally appropriate and consistent with the character of the East Boston waterfront. Um, so in the warmer months,
the space will transition with other sports and recreational use setups such as botchi balls, shuffle boards, rollerblading, things of that nature. Um, we went over this at the licensing board, but I will just touch on it again that this is something that has been discussed and agreed upon in the tall
ship's lease with the massport since the beginning um of the tall ships about 5 years ago. It's just now coming to life. Um, Charlie has gone through the approval process for their plans from the Department of Environmental Protection, the Conservation Commission,
um, and the ice skating rink is included in their chapter 91 uh, state license. They've met with the JPNA and discussed these plans with them over time. Um, we held in a butters meeting on October
29th. Um, nobody showed up to that. Um, we received support letters from nearby residents, the East Boston Chamber of Commerce, and East Boston Main Streets, um, which have all been sent into the board already. Um, Charlie has met with
the neighbors. They've incorporated their plans, um, you know, just to get their input and make sure that they're catering to the neighbors and what they want to see happen there. Um the expanded area is going to remain under
the same ownership and management. Um the security personnel and police detail will all remain in place to ensure safety compliance. All alcohol service will occur within the controlled license areas under staff supervision. Security
checking IDs at the door as they always have. Pretty much status quo with how they've been operating up until this time. We're just going to double that. So, that's going to be increased security, um, increased employees, things of that nature. Um, but I will turn it to you
guys if you have any questions for us. >> Thank you. Uh, thanks for joining us. Very good explanation. You do have some standard questions because Rebecca's not here today. I want to make sure I cover them for her purposes, but >> some of this chapter 91 stuff is outside
any sort of expertise I have. So, if I repeat something and the answer is it's in chapter 91, just let me know. Um, so it sounds like the ice skating rink was part of that agreement way back. >> Okay. And then the uses of that rink in the warmer months, are those covered in the chapter 91 agreement as well?
>> Yes. >> Okay. [clears throat] Um, and then >> this is new to me, too. You know, I'm just licensing. [laughter] Um so is the entire um property uh Massport?
>> Yes, Charlie. That it is right. >> Yeah, it's one it's >> the the entire property is Pier one in East Boston. >> Okay. We activated half the pier and when we initially went for the licenses, we just showed the footprint of the part
we were activating on the specific pier, but it is owned, the entire pier is owned by Massport and our license from day one has always been for the entire pier. >> Okay. Um,
what is the added capacity of this new space? I can tell you in one second. I have that. Just one. >> I don't know it off the top of my head. >> Oh, you can you could forward to us. Let me
>> I do have it. I do have it. One sec. It is the new capacity is The occupancy is 3,000. The seating is 1,250 >> total. >> Total
um I'm not I can let me see if I I can email you. I can get you the specific >> of what's being added. I just have to dig through my description. >> That's fine. Um, and then uh who's the manager on the
entertainment side? >> I am. >> And then I mean I don't expect to have a lot of noise from a skating rink, but um I know we've gone through a lot we've had a lot of conversations with you Charlie about noise mitigation. I'm
anticipating the answers are the same and continuing to work with the community to to take into consideration those noise issues should they arise. Um and then Rebecca's questions. Um do you restrict age after a certain time of
night? >> Um we've so that's a kind of a loaded question. We've changed it over the years based on feedback from different groups uh including the Department of Environmental Protection and the
neighborhoods. Um so the D wants this pier because it's a waterfront pier to be available for anyone of all ages to be able to access um at any time. So we uh we originally um made it 21 plus uh
once it was dark out. Uh the D asked me to change that so we did um a few years ago. So it it's been open to any age group um because >> um and do you use promoters or have
covered charges for any events? Uh we do not use promoters and uh similar rule that we have with the with the neighborhoods and we do we are limited to our we do not do cover charge but we do have ticketed um music events uh but
we're limited to those uh on a yearly basis um I believe to 10. >> Okay. And then um would you mind resubmitting to us the security dispersal emergency and operations plan that you have so we can keep that on file? It might have been updated since
the last time we requested it from you. >> Yes. >> Um and do you have cameras on previs? >> We do. >> Okay. >> Uh the total number I'm not exactly sure but we have somewhere it's going to be around like 40 or 50 cameras.
>> Okay. And do you know how long the footage is retained? They're kept in a cloud so they're retained indefinitely. >> Great. I have no questions. >> Thank you. Great. >> That is all the questions. Are there any individuals who would like to testify on this matter? Uh beginning with elected
officials or their representatives. >> Good afternoon, Madame Director and Mr. Secretary. Sigi Johnson with the mayor's office of neighborhood services. This applicant completed the ONS community process. Our office hosted in a Butters meeting earlier in the fall at which no concerns were raised. The Jeffre Point Neighborhood Association is aware of this application and in is in non
opposition. That background, our office defers further judgment to the board. Thank you. >> Thank you very much. Are there any other individuals who would like to testify on this matter? Seeing none, the entertainment division will take this matter under adisement as well and we'll issue a written decision. Thank you very much.
>> Thank you. >> Those are all the items before the division this afternoon. Thank you all and enjoy the rest of your day. Thanks. You too. >> Thank you. You too.