[clears throat] Good morning. Thank you all for joining. We will get started in just a moment as we clear the waiting room. As a reminder, when you are entering, please do remain on mute unless or until you are presenting or providing testimony before the board.
[clears throat] Just another moment as folks are still entering from the waiting room. Good morning. This is a hearing before the licensing board for the city of Boston. Today is Wednesday, November 19th, 2025. Today's hearing is being held pursuant to temporary amendments to the open
meeting law. That is what allows us to meet virtually. Today's hearing is being recorded and will be posted to the city of Boston's website. Before I review procedural matters, I will introduce chairwoman of the board, Kathleen Joyce. Thanks, Danny. Good morning. My name is Kathleen Joyce. I'm chair of the Boston
Licensing Board today. I'm also joined by Commissioner Liam Curran and Commissioner Kiana Saxon. >> Thank you very much. I will call each item in the order that it appears on this morning's agenda. Um, with one exception, we will be calling one item out of order this morning to accommodate
a scheduling conflict. Um, I will once I call the item into the into the record, I'll ask who is present on behalf of the applicant, you'll make a brief presentation regarding your proposal, followed by questions by the chair and commissioners. Following questions, there will be an opportunity for testimony beginning with elected
officials or the representatives. For members of the general public who wish to provide testimony, please limit your testimony to two minutes and please state your name, address, and affiliation if any. We will be calling item number seven out of order uh to begin this morning's
agenda. Uh calling item number seven Metropolitan Liquor Associates, Inc. doing business as Top Liquors located at 435 to 439 Hyde Park AB in Roslandale. Holder of a retail package store all alcoholic beverages license. Has petitioned for a change of officers directors and has petitioned for a
change of stock interest. Attorney Tim Burke. Attorney Burke. >> Good morning. I'd like to thank the board for uh scheduling putting me at the front of the list. Um, my flight is even earlier than it was originally anticipated and I really appreciate the courtesy folks have given me for letting
me go first. Um, we have here as a relatively straightforward matter. Uh, Top Liquors or Metropolitan Liquors has been owned by Gregory Stevens who is here the father for 44 years. um he's you know he wants to he wants to step
back a bit and his sons who've been working at the business for a long time uh want to take a partial interest Gregory who went to UMass Boston and graduated >> [clears throat] >> um has been working at the business since he was 18 years of age who sitting
next to his father you can't see me which is fine is a gentleman wearing a hat or was wearing a hat on my right here um he's been working at the business since he returned from his tour of duty in Afghanistan for the United States on there will be no real changes
in the operation of the business. Um everything is is just as much as anything this is being done for estate planning it to help the family move forward. We're certainly willing to answer any questions you may have. We'd like to thank you for considering
us. >> Thank you very much. Uh thank you all for joining us and for that um explanation. And I don't have any questions at this time. Commissioners, do you >> I do not. Thank you. >> None from me. Thank you. >> Thank you. Are there any individuals who
would like to testify on this matter? >> Seeing none, the board will take this under advisement. Thank you very much. >> Thank you all very much. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. Good day. >> Returning back to the top of this morning's agenda. Calling item number one. Sunkin Inc. doing business as
Gateway Canteen located at 19 to 23 Hudson Street. has applied for a common victular license to be exercised on the above. At 800 square f foot basement level restaurant is a Hongong Hong Kong style cafe serving hot and cold Chinese teas, coffee, soft drinks, sandwiches,
and snacks with storage and a restroom located behind the counter. Manager Posang tea hours of operation 6:00 a.m. to 10 p.m. Who is present on behalf of the applicant? >> We sir. >> Great. Good morning. Thank you for being with us. if you could please briefly
present the uh concept to the board. >> So the concept is a Hong Kong style cafe uh operating or selling coffee, milk tea and uh sandwiches and uh soups basically that's for the you know mostly
catered to the neighborhood people. And we want to make a slight adjustment like uh change the operation now from 7 a.m. instead of 6:00 a.m.
and and two of the partners the officer here are Chinatown residents. So they they just want to cater to the you know res [clears throat] and the greater Chinatown community. >> Thank you. Um thank you for that
explanation. Are there any seats in this location or is it >> just take out? >> 24 >> 22 seats. >> 22 seats. >> And when do you expect to open? >> As soon as we can. We've been waiting for a while. Thank you.
>> Okay. Thank you very much. I have no questions. Commissioners, do you >> I do not. Thank you. >> No questions from me. Thank you. >> Thank you. Thank you. Are there any individuals who would like to testify on this matter, beginning with elected officials or their representatives? Uh, yes, Ashley from Council Flynn's
office. I do see your hand raised. >> Thank you, Attorney Green, Madam Chair, members of the board. This is Ashley Ley from Councelor Flynn's office. Councelor Flynn would like to go on record and support. Thank you. >> Thank you. Are there any other individuals who would like to testify on
this matter? Seeing none, the board will take this under advisement. Thank you very much. Following item number two, Saffron, Inc. doing business as Dorchester Pizza and Fried Chicken located at 159 Washington Street in Dorchester has applied for a
common vixular license to be exercised on the above 1,900 ft singlestory restaurant. Features a customer service counter directly ahead upon entry with a kitchen, employeeonly restroom, and exit door located behind the counter. Manager Seabir Chowy. Hours of operation 10:00
a.m. to 11 p.m. Who's present on behalf of the applicant. Oh, hang on. I do see you speaking, but you're on mute. One sec. I just ask you to unmute. There we go. Yeah. Thank you. Good morning, everyone. Uh, this is Sabi Chri. I'm representing Suffin
Incorporation. Uh, our DBA is Dorchester Pizza and Fried Chicken. So, I'm serving this community almost 10 years and this is our first restaurant venture. So it's going to be a two spot. There is no sitting. So we are expecting uh uh like
to serve 10 to 11 uh so that's that's what we are expecting and we need your cooperation and your permissions for that. Thank you so much. If you have any question I'm happy to answer. [snorts] >> Thank you very much for joining us
today. Um when do you expect to open? >> Ma'am as soon as possible. >> Okay. Thanks very much. Um, I have no questions, commissioners. Do you? >> Uh, not at this time. Thank you. >> None for me. Thank you. >> Thank you. Are there any individuals who would like to testify on this matter, beginning with elected officials or
their representatives? >> Madam Chair and members of the board. For the record, my name is Jeremy Benbury. I am the Dorchester community engagement specialist for the Office of Neighborhood Services. The applicant has completed the community process which consisted of an aboters reading facilitated on October 16th with no guest present. No inquiries were made.
No concerns were raised. Next, the proponent presented to Erie Ellington Civic Association, which completed the community process and the proposal was approved to move forward. Thank you for your time in the Mayor's Office of Neighborhood Services would like to defer to the board for their judgment. >> Thank you, Jeremy. Are there any other individuals who would like to testify on
this matter? Board will take this under advisement as well. Thank you. Calling item number three, Fazerid LLC doing business as Turkish Lazori Cafe located at 1 North Beacon Street in Alustin, holder of a common bachelor's uh license, has petitioned to change the
closing hour of the licensed business from currently 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. to 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 a.m. Who is present on behalf of the applicant? >> Hello. >> Yes, good morning. >> Hi, good morning. My name is Rafa Kanka. Uh I was here actually last month as
well. >> Yes. >> Uh there's a problem with the uh little bit of miscommunication with the ACA meeting. So I got that done first and then I got that uh so now I'm here again talking to you guys. Um so we are currently operating uh from 10:00 a.m.
to 11:00 p.m. And um as I said before, we we have 60 seats currently and uh we're open 7 days a week. So, we wanted to change it from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 a.m. Uh, couple years back, actually last year, we were at a different
location, just two doors down. And, uh, we were operating there from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 a.m. Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, I believe. And now we want to do the same thing, uh, but this time we want to do it for 7 days, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 a.m.
>> Okay. Um, thanks very much. So, tell me a little bit more about how you're going to staff this place from 1000 p.m. until or from Yeah. 10 p.m. to 3:00 a.m. [clears throat] be working. >> Yeah. >> Will people be able to come in and just
order takeout or do they have to sit down and be served? >> So, we don't have any um we don't have any liquor. Uh we don't have a liquor license. This is uh not a liquor license. Um so what what the plan is what we did before was we were having uh
two line cooks, one dishwasher and two servers. And um we'll have the two servers will be able to take both dining and takeout orders. Uh we do have seats as well. Again, this is not uh we don't have a liquor license, so we won't be
serving liquor, only some good Turkish food. Um before it was only takeout. Uh, but now we want to change it if it's possible to dine in a and take out. >> Okay. Um, the reason why I'm asking these questions is I'm trying to get a feel for how much of your business
between 10 and 3 a.m. is going to be people standing in line coming out of a bar waiting. I know you don't serve alcohol, but they could be highly intoxicated. They could get into fights. >> You have two staff people trying to serve people, ring stuff up in a cash in a cash in a
>> cash register and also manage the line. Um, so those are the things I'm looking at. So, is this where someone comes in and they're waiting for a table of table of four? They could do a diner downtown or is it like there's one line? So, >> I get you. I get you. Yeah. So, most of
our um from 1000 p.m. or Yeah. From 10 p.m. to 3:00 a.m. most of our orders are takeout, you know, from Uber Eats, Grub, and Dorash. Normally during the weekends especially we would have six servers um in the front but since it's only two the
only the reason why I did two servers because it does it wouldn't get it doesn't get busy like it did last year it didn't get busy it was mostly takeout uh for dining it would not get busy during that time so we close right now uh so from for instance from uh after
900 p.m. uh it would not get busy uh usually so I would drop the staff staff members um you know by almost like 50% after that time um so that's why I did it for two two servers uh during that
especially during the weekends um we would have six servers being on the front but uh after that certain time range it it drops out tremendously and it's only take out from then Okay. Um,
so you're going to I'm sorry. Are you having two servers or six servers? I'm confused. >> No, no, no. So, I'll have six servers um from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. And then it will be two servers from 10:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m. >> Just because there isn't that much uh
dining in business, mostly takeout. >> Okay. >> Yeah. >> All right. Thank you. >> Mhm. Uh, commissioners, do you have any questions? >> Not at this time. Thank you. >> None for me. Thank you. >> Thank you. Are there any individuals who would like to testify on this matter beginning with elected officials or
their representatives? >> Good morning, C. Johnson with the Office of Neighborhood Services. This applicant completed the ONS community process in 2024. They distributed anformational flyer to Butters advising them of the hours change. applicant currently operates an establishment that shares a
common wall with this establishment that is open until 3:00 a.m. So, we took the flying from 2024 and the comments solicited with it as completion of the community process. The applicant did rem with the Alston Civic Association last month which has submitted today an office a letter to our office indicating
they support the application. With that background, our office defers judgment to the board. Thank you. >> Thank you. Are there any other individuals who would like to testify on this matter? Any further questions from the board following the testimony? Seeing none, the board will take this
under adisement. Thank you very much. >> Thank you guys. I appreciate it. >> Calling item number four. SPD Hospitality LLC doing business as Wishing Cup located at 45 Court Street. Holder of a common victual or license has petitioned to change the closing hours of the business from 6:00 a.m. to
10 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. to 3:00 a.m. Who is present on behalf of the applicant? My name is Karan Ma. Uh, speaking on behalf of Wishing Cup, our current hours of operation are 6:00 a.m. to 10 p.m. We'd like to extend those hours of operations as well from
6:00 a.m. to 3:00 a.m. We're um a purpose- driven cafe. So, the concept behind Wishing Cup and we really want to expand our reach and enable more customers to come into us is we actually grant one wish every month. And that's kind of our whole USP behind our concept. It is a cafe concept at the end
of the day though with baked goods, sandwiches, desserts, and coffees. And that's why we really wanted to extend those hours on towards uh 3:00 a.m. >> Okay. Uh are you So tell me a little bit. Um are [clears throat] you seeing
uptick in business or 10 p.m. to 3:00 a.m.? >> So yes. So, actually, the way we're going to be doing this is we're going to be opening the cafe from our current hours of operation, Monday through Friday, are 7:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. And then on weekends, we're open from
9:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. Um, and then we're going to close down the cafe and we're going to reopen again at 9:00 p.m. until 3:00 a.m. just for those later hours because it is not uh a full service restaurant. It is a cafe style. So there's one line of entry to enter
and um you know free seating for people who want who wish to sit down at the cafe. >> Okay. So in that neighborhood um this is government center correct? >> Yes it is it is a lot of foot traffic. Are you seeing a lot of foot traffic on the weekends? Um
>> we're not seeing a lot of foot traffic there on the weekends but this is predominantly for Uber Eats Grubhub and Door Dash and late night deliveries to expand our kind of reach out. uh similar to how there was the late night initiative done by um the mayor, we also wanted to, you know, expand into the
late night segment for our >> Okay. >> our cafe. >> Thank you. Commissioners, do you have any questions? >> Not at this time. Thank you. >> No questions. Thank you. >> Thank you. Are there any individuals who would like to testify matter beginning with elected officials or their representatives?
>> Hello, licensing board chair members. My name is Eva Jones representing the mayor's office and neighborhood services regarding 45 Court Street. Our office differs to the board's judgment. A community process was conducted including an abut butteries meeting held on 82325 that was not intended by any community members. The proposal was not
in the catchment area of any of the civic associations either. So they were not required to meet. Uh at this time the mayor's office neighborhood services defers to the board's judgment. Thank you for your time and consideration. >> Thank you. Are there any other individuals who would like to testify on this matter?
Board will take this under advisement. Thank you. >> Thank you. Calling item number five, MHF Devonshshire operating 5 LLC doing business as Hyatt Centric Boston located at 54 Devonshshire Street. Holder of an inholder all alcoholic beverages license has petitioned to change the manager of
the licensed business from Vincent Ellis to Michael Robert O'Connell who is present on behalf of the applicant. >> Michael Oonnell here. >> Great. >> Thank you very much. We do see you. >> Thank you. Thanks for joining us. Um,
Mr. O'Connell, are you a citizen? >> Yes, I am. >> Are you a resident of the Commonwealth? >> Uh, yes, I am. I live in Dorchester. >> Uh, what is your experience in the food and beverage industry? >> Yes. So, I've been in hospital for 20 plus years, GM for about 12, so very
familiar with FnB. Um, been a GM for about eight years now as well, uh, in full service hotels. >> Okay. Um, and are you familiar with the rules and regulations of this board, the ABCC and the laws of the Commonwealth pertaining to the sale and service of alcohol?
>> Yes. Yes, I am. >> Okay. Do I don't have any questions, commissioners? Do you? >> I do not. Thank you. >> None for me. Thank you. >> Thank you. Are there any individuals would like to testify on this matter? >> Board will take this under advisement. Thank you.
>> Thank you. Calling item number six. CHSP TRS Boston 2 LLC doing business as the Hayatt Regency Boston located at 1 Avenue to Lafayette holder of an inholder all alcoholic beverage license has petitioned to change the manager of the licensed business from Cresselo
Thomas to Peter Henry Girtzie who is present on behalf of the applicant. >> I am today. >> Great. Okay, there you are. Thanks. Um, thank you for joining us. Um, are you a citizen? >> I am. Yes.
>> Are you a resident of Massachusetts? >> I am. I presently live in Quinsey. >> What is your experience in the food and beverage industry? >> Uh, 36 years in the hospitality industry, three hotels, uh, Double Tree Boston, uh, Royal Sinesta in Cambridge,
and the last 19 here at the higher regency Boston. >> Okay. Are you familiar with the rules and regulations of our board, the ABCC, and the laws of the Commonwealth pertaining to the sale and service of alcohol? >> I am. Yes. >> Thanks. I have no other questions. Commissioners, do you?
>> I do not. Thank you. >> No questions from me. Thank you. >> Thank you. Are there any individuals who would like to testify on this matter? Seeing none, the board will take this under adisement as well. Thank you very much. >> Thank you. >> Oh, I had my hand raised. Sorry. >> Sorry. Go ahead, Ashley.
>> Yep. Thank you. Um, this is Ashley Le from Councelor Flynn's office. Councelor Flynn would like to go on record in support. Thank you. >> Thank you very much. Sorry about that. Are there any other individuals who would like to testify? >> No. The board will take this under adisement. Item seven was already heard at the top of this hearing. Calling item
number eight, Sobo Wine, Inc. doing business as So Wine and Spirits located at 259 Dorchester Street in South Boston. Holder of a retail package store. All alcoholic beverages licensed. Has petitioned for a change of stock interest. to change the DBA of the licensed business to city liquor and
smoke shop attorney Andrew Upton. Attorney Upton. >> Good morning everyone. Andrew Upton. Uh with me is Michael Corey who's the corporate council to the applicant as well as Nash Patel who is the husband of
the proposed investor Yoshika Patel who is in the third trimester of a pregnancy and having some uh minor issues so she could not be with us today. Um this is a stock transfer. Uh this store
has come on some hard times. They have asked uh Yashika Patel and her sister Palak Patel uh to invest some money to help them uh rebalance a bank loan and revive the store to uh the quality that
they want so they can uh serve the community better and hope to make a profit. Um, it's not a transfer. It's the same Lency. It's the same manager. There's no change in the premise. Uh, all that is at issue is the stock transfer. And we're glad to answer any
questions. And also the DBA, of course. >> Thank you. Uh, thanks attorney. And, uh, thank you both for joining us today. I don't have any questions. Commissioners, do you? >> I do not. Thank you. >> None for me. Thank you. >> Thank you very much. Are there any
individuals who would like to testify on this matter beginning with elected officials or their representatives? Thank you. Are there any other individuals who would like to testify on this matter? Conrad, I do see your hand raised. Is that for this item or number nine, but which has not been called in yet?
>> That that's for this item. >> Okay. >> Yes, for the marble market. Yes. >> No, marble wine is the next item. >> Oh, okay. Well, I'm sorry. >> No, no worries. Thank you very much. Are there any individuals who would like to testify on item number eight? This is so wine and spirits in South Boston.
Great. Seeing the board will take this under adisement. Calling into the record. Item nine uh related transaction marble or liquor market inc business as Marlboro market located at 45 Massachusetts A. Holder of a retail package store all alcoholic beverages license has petitioned for a
change of stock interest and has petitioned to change the DBA of the licensed business to City Liquor and Smoke Shop. Attorney Andrew Upton. Once again, attorney Upton. >> Uh, good morning again, everyone. Andrew Upton. With me on this one as well is attorney Mike Corey, the corporate
counsel, and Nash Patel, uh, representing his wife for the reasons previously mentioned. This is a uh very similar transaction to the one we just saw in South Boston. This is the Marorrow market. Uh, after eight years
in business, uh, they have fallen on some hard times and are feeling pressure from the bank. Uh so they needed new investments to stabilize the business and keep it going. Uh at we are going to do a stock transfer uh
37% each to the uh Patel sister and sister-in-law. Um again this is not a transfer. It's just a stock sale. It's exact same lency, the same manager, the same premises. uh I suggest that the
decision for the board here is only on the character and fitness of the uh two new shareholders. They have no disqualifying criminal convictions. Uh they are eligible under all legal criteria to become new stockholders. So it's a quite a narrow question of
approving these two uh to buy the stock of this corporation. And with that, we're glad to answer any questions. >> Okay. Um, we have received I just want to get on the record and see if you have any comments. We have received some complaints about litter um caused by
miniature bottles and stuff. Um, have have those issues been brought to the attention of the current owners and the new investors in it? Do they have any uh response to the litter? >> Um,
I don't believe they have. Um that being said, we did have some outreach from NAB uh about 25 hours ago and we are certainly willing to address those issues and meet with them. The whole idea is uh to upgrade and improve this
store which has fallen on some hard times. Uh these investors are involved in several other liquor stores as is Mr. Patel uh which were two which were approved in Boston. of 144 Winter Street, as anyone walking by can see, is a clean,
well-lit, wellmon monitored place. Uh, Yashika and Palak Patel have a store in Tukesbury, uh, which has had no problems and has been a positive influence. So, uh, with new investment and new input from these new owners, uh, we expect
that will certainly improve all aspects of the operation. and uh they're certainly glad to meet with uh any of Butters, neighbors, neighborhood associations going forward. Uh although for stock transfer, there's no statutory
requirement for that, nor is there any ONS requirement, so we haven't done it yet, but upon request, we certainly would. >> Yeah. Um, and you're right, attorney, there is no statutory requirement for an application like this to meet with the community or the abutters, but I I think
that's a good idea. Again, um, just wanted to share that we have received correspondence in that of that nature, but it um, putting it on the record, there is no formal requirement that they do that before business proceeds before the board. Uh, it's always um, in the best interest, I think, of an applicant
to build those relationships with the neighborhoods, the neighbors in the neighborhood. But um with that, I have no other questions um before we move on to the public questions. Commissioner Carina, Commissioner Saxon, do you have any? >> Not at this time. Thank you.
>> No questions. Thanks. >> Thank you very much. Are there any individuals who would like to testify, beginning with elected officials or their representatives? Okay. Are there any other individuals would like to testify? The first hand I see raised is Conrad Armstrong. Um you may unmute and you'll have up to two
minutes to provide your testimony. >> Uh good morning commissioners and board. Uh Conrad Armstrong from Marble Street representing neighbor Association Back Bay. Uh we only really found out about the nature of this case through phone call with the attorney last night. Um this is more it didn't show up as you
apparently isn't a statute of requirement to go through process but um it it it isn't a full liquor license transfer but it is a 74% transfer very it's almost the same as the kind of transfer that would have to go through process and so we are asking that that this decision just be deferred so that
they they can talk to the native association our next meeting is December 1 which is less than two weeks away from now so I don't think that request is an undue burden on the Thank you, Conrad. Um, next hand I see raised is from Claire Kaplan. Uh, you may please provide your testimony.
You'll have up to two minutes to do so. >> Good morning. Uh, thank you to the board and the commissioners. My name is Claire Kaplan, 395 Malbero Street. I have lived in the neighborhood for over 11 years. And to address the concerns of neighbors and the issues specifically of litter,
um I'd like to speak to the attorney and also the board to see if they could consider um prohibiting the sale of nips. Um the overwhelming amount of litter is nips um throughout the neighborhood on our sidewalks, in the tree pits. Um it's been an ongoing
problem. It was not a problem with the former business Malboro Market. Thank you. >> Thank you very much. The next hand I see raised is from attorney Corey. You may uh please provide your testimony before the board as well. >> Thank you very much. Uh my name is Mike
Corey. I'm uh corporate counsel and assisting uh the buyer with the uh financing that they're going to obtain um to improve this uh this store. Um onethird of the um one-third of the
sales of this store are related to individual um serving bottles. Um and if those were taken away, it would be it would just kill the purchase. Um our client would walk away and um the
current owner would continue uh to operate uh as it um as it has. Um individual sales of individual uh serving um units are not illegal um and are not prohibited uh within the city of
Boston. Um, by allowing our client to come in with their track record of of operations at liquor stores, substantially improve the uh um uh the store, the neighborhood, and we can
certainly talk about assisting with uh controlling uh litter. Uh but what the board we my co-consel attorney Upton has discussed with um the um the chairs of
the uh neighborhood association um other things that we can do to make the um make the neighborhood better. Uh but what we can't do is outlaw individual serving bottles. it's a third of the uh
revenue. And if that goes away, then there's no financing and there's no purchase uh by our client. Um and in that event, the store will stay as it is in in the in the shape it is. It needs work and our clients are ready to put
that money in. That's why they're they're um willing to uh uh invest as much as they are. Um that being said, they can't in the context of stepping in kill the business and the board has made clear that they don't want to talk about
anything other than outlawing individual uh serving units which just can't be done. We're happy to meet with the board, discuss things further with them about all kinds of issues, but we can't agree on outlawing the individual uh
serving units um as part of the approval. So, thank you. >> Thank you for that context. The next hand I see raised is from George Lewis. Uh you may please provide your testimony, Mr. Lewis. >> Good afternoon. I live on the same block. Um, this store has been a blight
to the neighborhood since they moved in. We had a place called the Marorrow Market, which was family-owned. It was a market. This place is a liquor store. You can't You can get a candy bar, but you can't get any household items, any food, anything. Um, I don't know if
they're aware, but every other liquor establishment in the Back Bay has an agreement with the neighborhood not to sell nips. This is this is the only store in the neighborhood that sells nips. Every nip you see thrown on the sidewalk, thrown in the alley, thrown in
the tree pit fences is coming from their store. They've been here long enough to correct this problem and they haven't done anything about it. So that they I would like them to tell us now that they will come meet with the neighborhood on December 1st. Thank you.
>> Thank you very much. I don't see any other hands raised. Are there any other individuals who would like to testify on this matter? There any further questions? >> Yes. Could I testify? >> Sure. If you could please identify yourself, you'll have two minutes for your testimony. >> Alexander Kon of 427 Malbor Street. Uh
thank you the board and for the commission for bringing this matter up. I live opposite the Malber market. Um we do have issues with the nips and trash. They're being put into our planters. They're left um as as Cla said in the tree wells, etc. We never had this issue
before. um with the previous owners of the Malbor market, they did great business. They um included groceries, sandwiches, and they just weren't relying on liquor sales. So, if they were to implement something like that back for the neighborhood, I'm sure the
neighborhood would support them fullheartedly. Um they just need to help us to keep the neighborhood clean. Thank you. >> Thank you. Are there any other individuals who would like to testify on this matter? Any further questions from the board
following the testimony? >> Uh, Attorney Upton, you can get in touch with the if you haven't already been in touch with Conrad. Correct. >> I I have been in touch with Conrad. We are more than happy to meet with the
board. We are willing to consider any number of steps to mitigate any uh predicted or foreseen problems. Uh, this place has been there for eight years. It has had its problems. A new investment is certainly uh going to upgrade it and
improve it. Um however, I I I we are debating the character and fitness of the investors. There is the public need is already established. >> Um and as attorney Corey said, uh it is unlikely that this deal would be
economically viable, uh if we could not continue to sell the product mix we have. That being said, these guys run great stores. Uh they're good people. They're more than willing to meet with the neighborhood uh before, during, and after this process. Uh but we do not
feel it is appropriate to condition the license in any way uh or restrict the current uh sales package. >> Thanks. >> Thank you. >> Sounds like that meeting's December 1st. Um
we um often request people to meet with them not necessarily in lie of a vote but sometimes it happens at the same time. So [snorts] >> we we would be more than happy to take that meeting or any others with the
neighborhood association. Uh we would ask that the board the Boston board not defer their vote on this issue uh because of the statutory restrictions I mentioned and also because of the timeliness in terms of our application for the financing.
>> Sure. Understood. Um appreciate you willing to work with them. With that I have no other questions. >> Thank you. Any further questions from the board on this matter? Board will take this under advisement. Thank you all.
Thank you. Thank you. >> Calling item number 10. Pranzini Inc. doing business as Pini located at 226 Newbury Street. Holder of a common vular 7-day all alcoholic beverages license has petitioned to amend the description of the license pre business from in two rooms, kitchen and storage in the
basement, outdoor patio for 24 guests. Capacity breakdown 226 Newbury Street, 34 persons inside, 12 outside. 228 Newbury Street, 43 persons inside, 12 outside. two in three rooms, kitchen and storage in basement consisting of 2,605
square feet. Two annual outdoor patios on private property consisting of 300 total square feet for 24 guests with 10 p.m. closing hour. Capacity breakdown 226 Newbury Street, 21 persons inside, 12 outside. 228 Newbury Street, 75
persons inside, 12 outside. Total square footage, 295. Two front entrances and two rear exits. Attorney John Aya. Attorney Aaya. >> Thank you, Attorney Green, Madam Chair, Commissioners, John Aya, McDomery, Cold, Miller, and Hanley. On behalf of the Lency, joining me this morning is
Josephine Olivero. Josephine is the owner and manager of record. Um, we are requesting an alteration of premise. This property um takes up both 226 and 228 New Bruce Street. Um there has been an expansion to the rear of the property
as well as interior improvements. Um 800 ft² has been added to the rare 228 Newbury Street and the kitchen's footprint at 226 Newbury Street has been expanded. Um to accommodate that expanded kitchen at 226, the seating has
been reduced from 33 to 21 seats. Um and with the uh addition of the 800 ft at 228 Newbury Street, the seating has increased from 43 to 75 seats. Um there are no uh changes to the outdoor seating
that remains at 24 seats. Um the overall indoor seats will now um be 96 seats. Um they have their updated inspectional services uh certificate as well as their assembly permit that's already in hand. Um and we also presented before the
neighborhood association backbay on uh November 3rd. Um happy to answer any questions you might have. >> Thank you very much. I don't have any questions. Commissioner Coriner Sax, Commissioner Saxon, >> I have no questions. Thank you.
>> None for me. Thank you. >> Thank you. Are there any individuals who would like to testify on this matter? Beginning with elected officials or their representatives? >> Any other individuals who would like to testify? I see a hand raised from Conrad Armstrong. Mr. Armstrong, you may please provide your testimony.
I'm Conor Armstrong from Marble Street representing Neighborhood Association Back Bay. Uh I couldn't find whether or not I sent the board an email. So I'll just say uh the applicant met with us and NAB is not opposed to this application. >> Thank you very much. Are there any other individuals who would like to testify on
this matter? Board will take this under advisement. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Calling item number 1111 LLC doing business as Brownstone located at 111 Dartmouth Street. holder of a common victual or 7-day all alcoholic beverages license has petitioned to transfer the
license and the location from 111 LLC to Mother's East Tavern LLC doing business as Mother's East Tavern. Um advertised as 289 Dorchester Avenue is actually 289 Dorchester Street in South Boston. Um we have confirmed that the application has been corrected and the butter
notifications were sent to the correct addresses. Um Alec Barbara Gy manager 1:00 a.m. closing hour. Premise consists of a single floor dining room with two bananets and a bar with 15 stools, kitchen and basement, two bathrooms and basement totaling 1,700 square f feet and with three means of egress. Attorney
Tyler Hensler. Attorney Hensler. >> Good morning. Thank you. Attorney Green. Morning Madam Chair, members of the board. Uh Tyler Hensler here for Mother's East Tavern LLC. Uh joining me is Alec Barbara Graassi, the owner and manager of record. Uh, Mother's East, as
attorney Green just said, uh, is applying for a transfer of a section 12 license uh, to the applicant at 289 Dorchester Street in South Boston. I will let Alex speak speak more about the concept, but I'll say first that the public need for a license at this
location uh, has already been established as the Telegraph Hill Tavern was at this location for many years uh, perhaps in non-consecutive stints, I believe. But regardless, there's consistently been a a section 12 license at this location uh over the years.
[snorts] The character and fitness of this applicant is also uh honestly could not be stronger. Alec and his wife Laura who is also a part owner of the Lency or the applicant rather have years of restaurant experience uh and alcohol service experience. They met in
California while working there in the industry together uh where they managed many successful and noteworthy restaurants and bars in Los Angeles. They recently moved to Massachusetts to open Mother's East Tavern here in South Boston and further Alec actually lived
in South Boston with his parents growing up so he's familiar with the neighborhood. Alec, uh I'll hand it over to you. Why don't you tell us a little bit about what you are bringing to South Boston? >> Hello everybody. Hey, thanks for having me. Uh, I'm Alec Barber Graci. We're
trying to open just a true neighborhood public house, you know, where you can come in, get a pint, get a pot of tea, get something comforting to eat. We're building all beautiful red oak bettes in there and uh, you know, warm lighting, just a couple TVs. I really want to try
to do that kind of pub of your but where you can get food that's like slightly better than you know Buffalo Tenders or something and uh yeah really excited and I just wanted to uh you know do a community joint. So thanks for having me.
>> Thanks Alex. Uh I'll end by the community outreach process uh was robust. We had several meetings with uh the office of neighborhood services with the Andrew Square Civic Association as well as uh follow-up meetings with various community leaders uh as well as
councelor uh city councelor Ed Flynn's office as well. These were overwhelmingly positive when it came to the concept when it came to ALEC uh and but uh it also resulted these meetings in not one but two name changes. Uh,
Mother's East Tavern is a name uh that means something to Alec and his wife Laura and they they want to thank the community uh for working with them as they like the new name better than either of the previous ones. So uh with that we are happy to take any questions.
Thank you. >> Thank you. Um I remember the discussion around the last name. Um Alec, thank you for joining us. I'm just going to cover the manager of record questions. I don't believe we covered them before. Um, are you a citizen?
>> Yes. >> Do you live in Massachusetts, >> Quinsey? >> Um, do you have experience in the food and beverage industry? >> Yep. 20 years in restaurants and bars and I've been uh running bar programs for about eight now. >> And are you familiar with the rules and
regulations of our board, the ABCC, and the laws of the Commonwealth pertaining to the sale and service of alcohol? >> Yes, intimately. Thank you. >> Okay. Uh, with that, I have no questions. Commissioners, do you have any questions? >> I do not. Thank you. >> None for me. Thank you. >> Thank you. Are there any individuals who
would like to testify on this matter beginning with elected officials or their representatives? >> Good morning, Siggy Johnson with the Office of Neighborhood Services. This applicant completed the ONS community process. Our office hosted an abutters meeting on May 5th at which the only operational concern raised was about
trash collection. The applicant met with the Andrew Square Civic Association, which is supporting this application. With that background, our office defers judgment to the board. Thank you. >> Thank you. I do see Ashley's hand raised from councelor Flynn's office. You may please provide uh your testimony in behalf of the councelor. [clears throat]
>> Thank you, Attorney Green, Madam Chair, members of the board. This is Ashley Ley from counselor Flynn's office. Councelor Flynn would like to go on record and support. Thank you. >> Thank you very much. Are there any other individuals who would like to testify on this matter? The board will take this under advisement as well. Thank you.
>> Thank you. >> Calling item number 12. Rockwood Music Hall Boston LLC. Doing business as Rockwood Music Hall located at 88 Vaness Street. Holder of a general on premise all alcoholic beverages license has petitioned to transfer the license and the location from the above to GWY LLC.
Doing business as tradesman located at 176 Federal Street. Rams [clears throat] be your manager. The premise consists of in one large room on ground floor with seated dining area and bar with seats for patrons together with an additional coffee bar for counter service, storage kitchen and restrooms located in rear
together with a seasonal April to November outdoor patio 187 square ft on private property with 16 seats and an 11 p.m. closing hour. Altogether comprised of 2,815 ft and two entrances and three exits, 2:00 a.m. interior closing hour.
Secondly, the applicant has also petitioned to change the license type from a general on premise to a section 12 restaurant. And lastly, has petitioned to pledge the license to Fox Rock 176 Federal Realy LLC. Attorney Dennis Quilty. Attorney Quilty. >> Good morning, Attorney Green, Madam
Chair, members of the board. I'm showing up on the screen is Ryan Gazda, but it's indeed me. Um, sorry about that. With me this morning, I'm here to represent the applicant this morning. With me is the proposed manager of record Ramsees
Riviera who is on screen as well I believe is Peter Simelli who represents the ownership group. These are the same individuals who own a number of tradesman locations which this site is proposed to be uh here in the city as well as they own and operate licenses at
uh Finnpoint in the um former um Hyatt uh on Broad Street, the Urban Wild in Charles Town and Amber Road. So they're very familiar with uh operations in the city. They have run all of these establishments without issues, without violations. Uh they're very very good
operators. Tradesman is a uh an Americanstyle ery uh lunch, dinner, coffee and afterwork uh you know beverage service as well. Um they will be excuse [clears throat] me open to serve throughout the day and the
evening. Uh Mr. Rivera, if I'm pronouncing your last name correctly, I hope uh has ample experience in the food and beverage industry with the present group. He's been a manager, bartender, and server since 2021. Uh with other
groups since 2015 as a manager, bartender, and server. Um he is a US citizen and a mass resident. Uh we had a ONS Butters meeting on September 10th without issue. Um we um I want to point
out that the location although not an alcoholic beverage location has previously been a Dunkin Donuts and a Prettoer and has been vacant for a number of years. This is the last building on Federal Street before you come to um the Surface Road at South Station just to orient folks where this
is um so it's been a restaurant use for a number of years has been vacant. This will be a great way to re-energize this this end of the downtown area and we uh certainly look forward to taking any of your questions here this morning. Thank you.
>> Thank you. Thank you both for joining us. Um just going to ask the last manager record question. Are you familiar with the rules and regulations of this board, the ABCC, and the laws of the Commonwealth pertaining to the sale and service of alcohol? Mr.
>> Thank you. >> Yes. >> Okay. Sorry, I should have addressed you first. Um, with that I have no questions. Commissioners, do you have any questions? >> I do not. Thank you. >> None for me. Thank you. >> Thank you. Are there any individuals who would like to testify on this matter?
Beginning with elected officials or their representatives. >> There any other individuals who would like to testify on this matter? >> Board will take this under advisement. Thank you all. Thank you. >> Calling item. >> Thank you. Calling item 13. Olives Inc.
doing business as Figs located at 67 Main Street in Charles Town. Holder of a common vigil or 7-day wines and malt beverages license has petitioned to transfer the license and the location from the above to Sapphire Quaffers Inc. doing business as Safar Salon Boston located at 235 Newbury Street. Serge
Sapphire Manager 11 p.m. closing hour. Premise consists of in one large room on the first floor comprised of salon space with waiting area for customers, restrooms, storage and office space located on the second floor. Altogether comprised of 2,300 square ft with one entrance and four exits. Secondly, the
applicant is petitioned to change the license type from a restaurant to a section 12 general on premise who's present on behalf of the applicant. >> Thank you Secretary Green and good morning madam chair members of the board. Attorney Ryan Gazda on behalf of the Lency. With me on the call as well is Serge Safar, who is the owner and
proposed manager of record for this establishment. Um, as was read into the record, this is an application seeking to transfer a beer and wine license to the existing Safar salon at 235 Newbury Street, which has been in operation at this location in excess of 50 years. Uh, the salon recently came across the
opportunity to acquire a beer and wine license and is now seeking to transfer that to the salon to implement another program for additional amenities for its customers so that they can enjoy a glass of wine or champagne while they enjoy their um, beauty services being completed at the salon. U, this is not
too dissimilar from the concept that was implemented at the suit supply across the street wherein members of that store could have a a glass of wine or champagne while they waited for their suit to be tailored. But simply here, this will be while they're having their beauty services completed. Um, operationally, nothing will be changing
on the ground at the salon. There are no physical changes, no physical bar. Um, it would just be light beverage services to the members of the salon while they're again having their beauty services completed. Um, the salon typically closes by 7:00 p.m. most nights. And there is also a request here
to change the license type from a general on premise um or rather from a CV7 to a general on premise given there is no food service component just the light beverage service. um the manager of record to be served so far. He is a US citizen, a Massachusetts resident, is familiar with the rules and regulations
regarding the sale of service of alcohol and he does have previous experience in the food and beverage industry in so far as he is a co-owner and investor of other establishments such as restaurants and bars including the Saraphina um actually [clears throat] located right next door to the salon as well. Um, in
terms of community outreach, we did host an ONS Abutters meeting and did meet with the Neighborhood Association of Backbay on November 3rd, which voted not to oppose this application, but we're certainly happy to answer any questions that you might have this morning.
>> Thank you. Very unique concept. I mean, I know it's not unusual um in some cities, but where do you plan on storing the alcohol? I believe there will be a storage on the second floor um of the building which would likely be kind of a shared space with the salon equipment
generally speaking. Um but there is adequate sufficient uh storage space at the salon. >> Okay. Um with that I have no questions. Commissioners, do you have any? >> I do not. Thank you. >> None for me. Thank you. >> Thank you. Are there any individuals who
would like to testify on this matter beginning with elected officials or their representatives? >> Yes. Sigy Johnson with the mayor's office of neighborhood services. This applicant completed the ONS community process. Our office hosted in a butters meeting on November 13th at which no concerns were raised. The applicant has met with the neighborhood association of
the Back Bay and secured their nonopposition. With that background, our office defers judgment to the board. Thank you. >> Thank you. And I do see uh Conrad Armstrong's hand raised. Mr. Armstrong, can you please provide your testimony? >> I'm Conrad Armstrong from 439 Marvel Street. Just confirming the applicant
did meet with the neighbor association and we do not oppose this application. >> Thank you very much. Are there any other individuals who would like to testify on this matter? >> Board will take this under adisement as well. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Calling item number 14. Big night venues
Boston 5 LLC located at 186 Tremont Street. Holder of a common victual or 7-day all alcoholic beverages license has petitioned to transfer the license and the location from the above to Alustin Phase A Hotel TRS Inc. Doing business as Atlas Hotel located at 30 to 40 Western A. Muhammad Hash manager 2
a.m. closing hour. Premise consists of the entire building located at 30 to 40 Western A comprised of 16 floors for the operation of the Atlas Hotel excluding those portions of the hotel leased to co-op and AMA independent operators within the hotel building comprised of 119,226
ft with one entrance and three exits. outdoor terrace on private property on the sixth floor at 4,044 ft, including room service to 246 guest rooms, as well as all other common areas of the hotel. Secondly, the applicant has petitioned to change the license type from a
restaurant to a hotel. And lastly, has petitioned for the approval of a management agreement between Austin Phase A Hotel TRS Inc. and Hygate Hotels LP. Attorney Dennis Quilty. Attorney Quilty. >> Good morning again. Um, attorney Green, Madam Chair, members of the board.
Dennis Quilty, attorney representing the applicant before you this morning. With me is uh Muhammad Hashesh who is the proposed manager of record and I believe Nicholas Phil Zame who is representing the uh property owner Tishmanspire
with [clears throat] regard to this application. Excuse me. As indicated the application is to transfer a license to this site change the classification to inholder all alk um to create a new Atlas hotel at this site. This is a um
this is part of the so-called Harvard development land on the Austin side of the river um which is a very exciting uh project including um office space, lab, hotel as in this case and other other
uses throughout the area. Um we in preparation for uh be coming before you today, we had a meeting with the Austin Civic on October 15th and with regard to neighborhood services, we were asked to flyer the area given that we had had a
meeting with the Austin Civic Association uh which we did. We've had no objections uh you know voice to us as we appear before you this morning. Mr. Rashes has long experience in hotel industry uh
with presently for the last six years at least as an area manager with Highgate Hotels which would be the management company if approved uh and before that for six years before that with another hotel group as a general manager. Uh he
is a US citizen a mass resident and um again we are happy to take any of your questions here this morning. Thank you. >> Uh, thanks attorney Quilty. Uh, Mr. Hashesh, just the last question. Are you familiar with the rules and regulations
of the board, the ABCC, and the laws of the Commonwealth pertaining to the sale and service of alcohol? >> Yes. [clears throat] >> I have no questions. And I have no questions as well. >> I'm sorry. >> None for me. Thank you. >> Thank you. Are there any individuals who
would like to testify on this matter, beginning with elected officials or their representatives? Good morning. Sigy Johnson with the mayor's office of neighborhood services. This applicant completed the ONS community process. Our office oversaw distribution of anformational flyer to a butters. All parcels in the abuters
radius are owned by Harvard University. The flyer and solicited no comments to our office. The applicant met with the civic association which has sent our office a letter of support. That background we defer judgment to the board. Thank you. >> Thank you. Are there any other individuals who would like to testify on
this matter? board will take this under advisement as well. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> And calling item number 15, Lord Hobo Dry Do LLC doing business as Lord Hobo located at two dry do a has applied 4A section 19 C farmer brewery pouring
license to be exercised on the above. The farmer brewery pouring premise totals 8,580 ft. consists of one large room measuring 300 3,580 square feet on the first floor with seating areas and bar, kitchen, restrooms, and storage space with two
entrances and three means of egress and an outdoor annual four-season patio totaling 5,000 square ft on private property with a closing hour of 12 a.m. Manager Taylor Lawler. Interior closing hour 1:00 a.m. Attorney Tyler Hensler. Attorney Hler. >> Thank you, Attorney Green. Good morning,
Madam Chair, members of the board. Tyler Hensler on behalf of Lord Hobo Dry Dock LLC. Again, here for a new farmer brewery pouring license application. Joining me uh is the manager of record, Taylor Lawler, as well as uh Kate
Ballinger and Jonathan Monet, Jim Coughlin, and Tom Madden from the Lord Hobo team. Um, Lord Hobo Drydock LLC has operated at this same location a 19D pub
brewery and a section 12 on premise uh, license at the two dry dock location uh, for several years. The applicant wishes with this application to convert these licenses instead to a farmer brewery license at the state level and a farmer
brewery pouring license at the local level. Um, we have received uh special permission from the ABCC to file these applications uh while there is still a section 12 license uh held by the the applicant uh in order to minimize uh any
downtime in these in the switch over. But there has been a uh transfer application for that section 12 license filed uh which the board heard uh in September or August. The farmer brewery pouring area is
exactly the same area covered by the section 12 license uh that this farmer brewery pouring license will replace. It includes the indoor tap room and the uh outdoor patio. This will therefore be as low impact a change uh that can be made.
Essentially, we're changing the menu from all alcohol to just beer under the farmer brewery license. No other changes are contemplated with this application. The public need for a license at this location is well established. Again, section 12 all alcoholic beverages
license has existed here at this location for several years and they are converting to the farmer brewery pouring with this application and will therefore just be serving beer. The character and fitness of the applicant is also good. They have uh owned they are owned 100%
by the Lord Hobo Brewing Company headquartered in Wuburn who are responsible and experienced operators. Finally, the manager of record is Taylor Lawler. Taylor is a US citizen, a Massachusetts resident. She's familiar with the rules and regulations related to the sale and service of alcohol, and
she has experience in the industry as she's worked at this location uh for several years, as well as uh other licensed premises. With that, we're happy to take any questions. Thank you. >> Uh thank you. Thanks for joining us. Uh with that, I don't have any questions,
commissioners. None for me. Thank you. >> Thank you. Are there any individuals who would like to testify on this matter, beginning with elected officials or their representatives? >> Yes, Ashley, you may please provide your testimony. >> Thank you, Attorney Green, Madame Chair,
and members of the board. This is Ashley Ley from Councelor Flynn's office. Councelor Flynn would like to go on record in support. Thank you. >> Thank you. Uh Samantha, you may also provide your testimony. Hi there. I apologize for speaking out of turn. Samantha Courage from Councelor
Derkens's office. Um I'm having signal problems within our big uh brutalist building today. Um but I just wanted to come back and say that the council is in strong support of both 226 Newbury and Main Street. Thanks so much. >> Thank you very much. Are there any other
individuals who would like to testify on this matter? Seeing none, the board will take this under advisement as well. Thank you. Thank you. >> Those are all the items before the board this morning. Uh the board is set to vote tomorrow morning at 10:00 a.m. Notice has been posted to the city's
website. Uh that will adjourn this hearing. Thank you all and enjoy the rest of your day. Thanks.