##VIDEO ID:P8CAhV5T030## good morning thank you all for joining we we will give just a moment to clear the waiting room good morning this is the voting hearing of the licensing board for the city of Boston today is Thursday January 23rd 2025 today's hearing is being recorded and will be posted to the city of Boston's website while the public is encouraged to attend there will there will be no additional testimony accepted this morning we'll begin with the license premise inspection hearing which occurred on Tuesday January 21st 2025 item number one the Boston Leo Corp located at 71 to 79 Warrington Street date of the incident September 10th 2024 assault and battery employee on Patron and violation of mass gener Law chapter 138 section 64 and chapter 265 section 13A and assault and battery Patron on employee in violation of mass gener Law chapter 138 section 64 and chapter 265 section 13A thanks Danny um I see a violation here uh the ly did um take him off the door and he basically has been fired um I have some issues with the fact that how this this could have been prevented I believe um with with other measures in place but at the end of the day I do see a violation absolutely uh I would also like to add that I was uh pretty disturbed by their reaction to it I think that they were trying to justify it in some sense um by really focusing on the patrons Behavior but the you know it's completely foreseeable that you would have unruly patrons and that's the job that they've taken on and their focus on that what I thought that was very uh misplaced and uh uh it gives me pause going forward I I I really don't know what they were thinking basically trying to say that you know she slapped this shrink out of his hand she you know they kept on and on about it and I just found it distur so that's all I have to say yeah I didn't I didn't think that there was any justification for that um so I agree with both of you violation across the board as to the disposition um they were before us for a similar violation about a year ago and received a warning this would be a second warning in my opinion sounds good yes a second warning and if there's correspondence that would also talk about um response to or deescalation again if there there's nothing on the record already and also the camera is not working I want that to be noted great violation second warning uh correspondence from the board about the importance of deescalation and also it will be noted on the docket sheet that the cameras were not working at the time of the incident item number two the Boston Leo Corp located at 71 to 7 Warrington Street dat of the incident October 13th 2024 serving alcohol to minors and violation of Mass general laws chapter 138 section 34- 34A 41 64 64a and board's rule 1.08 F I had a lot to say on Tuesday on the record about you know what happened um after on the street and the volatile situation of the massive fight but as far as what they were written up for serving alcohol to minors I wasn't able to get to a point where I believe it could be proved so I don't see a violation for that yeah I just we didn't have enough for this particular violation I agree no violation item number three GST Investment Group LLC doing business as beu and rock and Ry located at 51 Stewart Street date of the incident October 3rd 2024 multiple injured patrons intoxicated and possible underage in violation of Mass general laws chapter 138 section 64 I wasn't able to get to a violation here yep same I agree no violation item number four uh same licy GST Investment Group LLC doing business as Buu and rock and Ry located at 51 Stewart Street date of the incident October 28th 2024 premise operating after posted 2 a.m. closing in violation of Mass general laws chapter 138 section 64 I see a violation I don't think their operations plan that evening um took into consideration um appropriate dispersal um so I my vote is for a violation yeah if they had special circumstances they should have anticipated them and acted accordingly and and you know got to work a little bit earlier that's our evaluation I um I agree with both of you um they don't have a history of this operating after 2 am so I would vote for a first warning I would as well um could we also add correspondence regarding the leaving the the police without management coming to the door sure violation warning and correspondence item number five Trinity Stewart concessions LLC doing business as the Raffles hotel located at 40 Trinity Place date of the incident October 11th 2024 assault and battery Patron on Patron in violation of Mass General Law chapter 138 section 64 and chapter 265 section 13A and police not notified in violation of Mass General loss chap 138 section 64 and Boards rule 1.14b I do want to note that management and security were very Cooperative with police um when they showed up I do understand that at the time of this incident their operations plan was to just wait and call the police after a weekend but um I think based upon the testimony on Tuesday realize that that's not the way to respond to these sorts of assaults um I do see a violation I do appreciate the fact they put measures in place since the violation occurred um my vote would be for a first warning um do you see a violation on both or just the failure to call the police is I I was more on the failure to call the police yeah on failure I'm sorry I shouldn't say that the violation would be on failure to call the police I don't think the fight was foreseeable um yeah I don't think we had enough on the fight being foreseeable but I want I would like correspondence regarding when it comes to an assault and battery we need video of the proceeding to see if it was foreseeable to see what was going on before if if there were warning signs that someone could have intervened on but I had violation on failure to calls I agree I definitely agree with sorry can you hear me yes we can hear you definitely agree with that as well thank you great so on the assault and battery uh no violation correspondence regarding the importance of preserving video especially leading up to any incident and then on the police not notified violation with a first warning right item number six paga Inc doing business as Nicks venue located at 100 Warrington Street date of the incident November 11th 2024 salt and Battery Patron on Patron inside premise and on public way in violation of Mass General Law chapter 138 64 and chapter 265 section 13A the testimony was that um there was a super fan that got too close to the celebrity performer based upon the testimonies shared at the hearing on Tuesday they did seem to have appropriate security and staff in place that night um this one Rowdy Patron they even responded in my opinion appropr they once this rowy Patron tried to um get on stage with the performer they tried to like bring the performer in the back and rope them off um I wasn't able to get to a violation um those are my comments I agree cross board I agree as well no violation moving on to the transactional hearing which occurred yesterday uh Wednesday January 22nd 2025 item number one Genuine Food Lab LLC doing business as rockberry Community College located at 1234 Columbus AV in rockberry has applied for a common Victor license manager Charles Paul hours of operation 7:30 AM to 2:30 PM vote to approve I agree I agree item number two Pizza Box LLC doing business as little stev's Pizzeria located at 1114 Boon Street has applied for a common VOR license manager koshik Babu koganti hours of operation 7 a.m. uh and this was amended on the record to 2 2 am weekdays to 30 a.m weekends I vote to approve I agree I agree you item number three mini donut Diva LLC doing business as eery on Broad located at 45 Broad Street as petion to change the closing hour to 2 am um I vote to approve Danny they said it's take out after 11: PM that is correct I'd like to note that on the face of the license I agree right it was takeout and third party delivery uh yes great so granted with a condition that 11:00 p.m. to 2: a.m. will be for takeout and delivery only item number four hide Park Liquors 2 Inc doing business as dors Liquor Mart located at 356 Washington Street in Brighton as petitioned to change the manager to Brandon dervishian I vote to approve Mr dervishian as manager of record I believe he has the appropriate character and fitness to serve I agree I agree thank you item number five lsf legal Crossing LLC doing business as legal Crossing or LX located at 558 Washington Street has petitioned to change the DBA to Legal Seafoods I vote to approve I agree I agree item six food and life companies USA LLC doing business as sakab bayashi Sushi Tavern located at 665 Boon Street has petitioned to change the DBA to sakab bayashi Sushi Tavern by Sushi row I vote to approve I agree I agree item number seven will be continued to the February 12th transactional hearing at the request of the applicant item number eight 110 Canal license owner LLC located at 112 Canal Street has petition to transfer the license and the location to 60 to 70 Crosset Corp located at 60 to 70 cross street Frank D pasquali manager 1:00 a.m. closing hour um Mr D pasquali is already An approved manager of record by this board um I vote to approve this transfer it's a very unique concept they're taking one license and um there are several different uses within the same building um I think it's new and an exciting um use of this license in this neighborhood I agree I agree item number nine phase next Hospitality LLC doing business as Buffalo Wild Wings go located at one Harbor Side Drive in East Boston within loan Airport Terminal A that has applied for an airport common V or 7-Day all alcoholic beverages license manager Omar Loza Closing Time 10 p.m. I vote to approve um I would like the lensey to submit a written plan to the board um detailing how they're going to staff up for for um ID checking and possible pass offs due to the fact that it's a shared dining area with another license establishment that does not have an alcohol license I agree I agree right the uh application is approved and the board requests a written plan on how the licy will identify patrons and prevent pass offs uh the following applications 10 11 and 12 are all new license applications item 10 La ABIA Bakery Corporation was submitted in complete prior to December 6th 2024 uh chairman Joyce would you like to vote on these today or defer as we've been doing I'd like to defer items 10 11 and 12 will be deferred moving on to non-hearing transactions the following are applying for a new comic license at a previously licensed location item one one Family Diner Inc located at 260 Bowden Street in Dorchester manager Rachel svera hours of operation 5:30 a.m. to 2: p.m. I vote to approve I agree I agree and item number two soul and spice LLC located at 2306 Washington Street in Roxberry this is within the uh Bruce bowling municipal building manager Boyce slamman Jr hours of operation 6:00 am. to 12: a.m. I vot to approve I agree I agree following have applied to make changes their existing common vit or license item one Burrito Loco LLC doing business as Burrito Loco located at 89 Brighton na in Alon has petitioned to change the DBA to chicken I vote to approve I agree great following have applied for one-day amendments to their existing licenses uh items one and two are the same lcy American Craft brewery LLC doing business as the Boston beer company located at 30 Germania Street in Jamaica plane uh item one they have applied to extend their premise to a projector in the tap room for a Super Bowl viewing party on February 9th from 7 p.m. to 11: p.m. I vote to approve I agree I agree and item two the same license C is applying to extend the premise and hours to the same location for a Grammys viewing party on February 2nd from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. I vote to approve I agree I agree the board has before them a list of applications for special one-day alcoholic beverages licenses which have been administratively reviewed by staff and approved by the board okay and on old and new business the board has noticed a discussion regarding the granting of new alcoholic beverages licenses pursuant to chapter 202 of the acts of 2024 um jman Joyce if there's anything you'd like to begin with sure Danny um just before we open up the discussion so the applications we've deferred up to this point um we don't plan on voting on right now but we would schedule a special voting Hearing in the near future we'll work with the calendars of the other Commissioners um just want to get that on the record that being said um I am very appreciative of the legislature's thoughtful roll out of the ZIP code restricted licenses which limits the annual distribution um of these licenses per zip code to three all alcohol licenses and two beer and wine licenses um beginning in 2024 I believe the intent behind this measured approach was to ensure a balanced Market that avoids oversaturation while allowing operators to have ample time to prepare a comprehensive and thoughtful business plan um with their application this process also ensures that the community in the neighborhood input is fully considered which Fosters an inclusive and collaborative approach to local development and avoids a rush and half Hazard licensing process that could undermine these overall goals um in addition to the ZIP code restricted licenses um similarly the board views the awarding of the 12 unrestricted licenses as a historic opportunity and one that holds the potential to reshape the economic landscape for generations to come I think this is very important and is um different than anything that has um come to Boston before these licenses will serve as critical on-ramps to generation wealth opening doors to individuals and businesses that have historically been excluded from these opportunities our consideration of these applications will reflect this broader vision and will factor in amongst other things um evolving neighborhood needs Market realities the strength and sustainability of the business plans and its potential to act as an economic engine that stimulates further growth for surrounding businesses will also be attentive to appliations that reflect a deep commitment to the community and its engagement with these um businesses and those that propose Innovative and unique Concepts that contributed positively to the city's vibrancy and diversity um we also need to make sure that we are staying true to the intent of this legislation which is to support applicants who had previously been priced out of the liquor license Market the applications that the board has heard since the legislation passed represent those who were well POS positioned to get an application and run a community process quickly they also overwhelmingly already hold be and line licenses I think it would be prudent of of the board to hear more applications from businesses who are not able to submit an application immediately before we make such important decisions this phased approach to the distribution of the licenses allows time for exceptional applications to fully develop ensuring that those who receive licenses are well positioned for long term success by pacing the process we are confident that this approach serves the public good promotes equity in alignance with the board's commitment to addressing public need in a deliberate and forward-thinking manner so I want to talk a little bit about the things that I believe the board should look at with these applications and the first one which we always take into consideration is public need um public need is determined by the board's evaluation of how an applicant's propos will contribute to the surrounding community's social cultural economic fabric while the legislature has acknowledged a public need for additional liquor licenses and certain ZIP codes in for specific types of businesses the board is tasked with determining where the unrestricted licenses will best meet public demand and create the most positive impact so to assess the public need we will evaluate the following criteria whether the proposed license will provide cultural economic enhancement The Proposal should contribute to the vibrancy of the neighborhood and also promote Economic Development by attracting both local residents and visitors fostering increased foot traffic generating employment opportunities um the ability to provide an amenity and improve the areas appeal or fill in a gap in the market those things will be highly valued we also take a look at the location um whether or not um The Establishment is located in a main streets District Transit oriented District other commercial zones that have been designated as developmental priorities by the city these are targeted for growth and revitalization and a new liquor license can act as a catalyst for further investment and activity in these regions um we also will consider saturation the board will consider whether the proposed establishment is located in an area with few or no existing liquor licenses addressing a gap in service um conversely if the proposed location is already saturated with liquor licenses the applicant will have to demonstrate how their concept differs significantly from existing options in the area and how it will serve a new or distinct customer base a unique or Innovative concept is key in ensuring the license provides something that benefits the neighborhood in a distinctive way um establishments that integrate multiple Concepts within one premise will be viewed favorably this could include a space that offers a restaurant or two an entertainment venue or a bar within one business or a culinary school thereby maximizing an impact of a single license such models help serve a broader audience and provide more varied experiences for patrons and that also enhances the business's utility within the community um an applicant that can show a commitment to longevity and uh commitment to operating their business for a significant period of time will also be preferred this commitment provides stability and predictability contributing to the long-term success of both the business and the neighborhood in which it's operating applicants should present plans for long-term operation and detail how they'll invest in the community over the years and also a track record of successful operations will be considered um if an applicant has previously operated an establishment licensed by this board we'll take a look at the track record in the business's reputation a proven history of running a successful well-managed business without a significant disciplinary record will be a very positive factor this demonstrates the applicants ability to meet regulatory standards and operate responsibly within the community red reducing potential risks that are associated with a new license so my goal is to have this discussion today about what we as a board see um as important in these applications that are coming before us um and also emphasizing the fact that um we believe that there are other um applications that will be coming in and we would like to be able to take a look at them all together um no comments okay I don't your your comments were pretty uh comprehensive I don't know if I have anything to add I mean I might I could personally talk about you know how I prioritize kind of the list you you gave but I don't even know if I need to say too much about that commissioner Saxon do you have anything kind of to I don't know if I have any particular thing to add on top of it maybe no I just actually just just out of curiosity how many applications have we received so far um I believe I don't have the exact number in front of me but I believe since the legislation was passed it is somewhere between 50 and 60 yeah I think those are um that's a that's a good number I I agree with you um uh chairman Joyce that you know overall I think that we should really be looking at these things globally and and you know the the risk of trying to rush in and look at these applications too quickly is that we get um we we then prioritize those who had the money had all the means had all the resources were already teed up in order to like get those applications in I mean it's good I'm glad that they were able to do that but I think there is um an opportunity for those who um are just hearing about this or you know that they have you know they have great ideas but they never thought that there would be an opportunity and here it is that like lands in their lap and they've got to be able to then um just really Rush In order to get something in so just you know taking our time making sure that we have a very Global Outlook I I don't I disagree with anything that you you said and thank you for being so thoughtful and just to note for the record um the staff the licensing board staff and small business staff and the office of Neighborhood Services has worked really hard over the last three months to reach out to potential business owners to explain to them exactly what these new licenses are about and to offer our help with filling out applications I know Dany and Wendy in my office in our office they've held um twice month office hours and um it's it's actually nice to to to hear the conversations that come out of that a lot of those office hours have resulted in solid applications being submitted um and having oneon-one time with Danny and Wendy allows these applicants um who may have just had an idea um a couple of weeks ago to actually put pen to paper and really see how this idea can actually lead to a strong to a business plan that could then be approved and change the landscape of the neighborhood they live in we have people coming in the office still every day we had someone come in yesterday with an idea for a community space that we had never heard of before um he had just heard about the licenses from someone so that's the thing as you said commissioner Saxon some of these um applications we've received they were ready to go but I know we all share the belief that there are other good business plans and applications potentially coming our way and we want to give them the space to um to be ready and to be supported and to um to have an opportunity to also be considered for these these applications these licenses um that if we didn't do that I think we would be going against the intent of the legislature it's taken a long time for us to get these licenses to Boston and we want to make sure we're putting them to the best use possible yeah I mean these licenses started uh I'm correct with home rule petition from the city council and as far as I know that intent carried right through to the legislature I didn't hear any change in that intent and the intent I think is obvious with regard to the neighborhood licenses but I think that we have to be very clear that I think we all agree that that intent carries over to the unrestricted as well and and I think we need to have the greatest amount of focus on that because a lot of the factors you talked about um chairwoman joice go to go would go to any application whether it's for a new application or a transfer as far as public need but I I don't think we we have to have a you know a good focus on the intent of this round of licenses and like you said a big part of that intent is people that have been economically shut out of an opportunity to have a license in you know you know parts of the of like downtown because a lot of these licenses are moving into downtown and they become very expensive and I think that that's why we were granted these to allow people that have been previously shut out to have have a chance to make a go of it not in the in the neighborhoods more in downtown and not have the burden of servicing the debt that comes with you know whether it be over $600,000 all out or in the $200,000 range um beer and wine so so have you guys considered a new deadline or is this going to be on a rolling basis um or is that something that you just have to decide later you know what I I don't think I don't feel comfortable committing to a specific deadline at this point um I think it's something that we should continue to talk about uh and think about v um as these applications come in and our staff works with them we want to make sure um we give them the resources that they need uh we're working really hard as Danny said we've already um had 50 or 60 applications before us so um some of the applications um don't some of the applications um don't qualify for the ZIP code restricted licenses and they only qualify for the unrestricted but we might have a situation where you know it could it could be the the opposite that an unrestricted license could really bring a business plan to the next level that being said um I I really think we have to take our time so I don't want to commit to a specific date I want to make sure we get it right and um that's going to require um more time yeah I would just say in general you know where I'm at right now without specifically noting any given application the applications that came in that would only be available to the unrestricted I don't recall any of them really distinguishing themselves with regard to what we're talking about here A A lot of them are fine applications and you know in a different Universe we'd love to give them all what they're asking for but with regard to these licenses and The Limited nature of them and and the intent that we've all expressed here um you know just generally I don't think you know I don't know if we have a application that's going to fit the bill may maybe when we go back over them we we will but uh so given that we had so many applications that might qualify for an unrestricted you know it might be we might have a lot more applications before we finally see the one we're looking for yeah that being said and and I appreciate all your comments um I would like to put up for consideration um I would like to make a formal motion of the board to extend any application that we've heard thus far for two years keep them active before the board as these as these licenses leave and get issued to places um the lands of the neighborhoods could be changed significantly and some of these applications that um there might be opportunities for to issue licenses to places um that we don't see the opportunity right now so in the past I think applications were um active for 30 days and then we have been formally extended that for a year but I think the board showing our commitment to getting this right we should extend all applications for a period of two years so they don't have to come back and pay additional fees and run another Community process um we'll we'll keep them active before us for that period of time that makes sense because the the legislature the period of the these applications was a total of three years and we've already a year in yeah so I'd like to make a motion to um extend that for a year I would second it yet okay yeah I agree great that will certainly be reflected in the minutes anything further that um any any members of the board here would like to get out on the record in this discussion thank you for the thoughtful discussion um we will reach out to schedule a voting hearing on the applications that were submitted and complete prior to December 6 um it will also be reflected in the minutes that the board has voted to keep all completed and submitted applications active for a period of two years um and a summary of this discussion can also be included in in the minutes of today's quote um this is this has been really helpful thank you all with that those are all the items before the board this morning that will adjourn this hearing um thank you all and we'll be in touch about scheduling the next hearing thank you all enjoy the rest of your day thank you thank you