License Commission - Regular Meeting

Okay, good morning, folks. Welcome to the meeting of the Worcester License Commission. This is the recording in progress in 2026. I'm Anthony. I'll be sharing this meeting. My left is Commissioner Fisher, my right, Commissioner Maritza Cruz, and to my father, right. starting with Deborah Steele from the Office of Inspectional Services, Attorney Miranda Moran from the City of Worcester Law Department, and Sergeant Thomas Needham representing the Worcester Police Department. Today's meeting is a hybrid meeting. It means both that it is being in-person and you can access it via public meeting. It's being recorded. Minutes will be published, I don't think. As soon as we get rid of the competition, you might be able to hear me a little better, but just be patient. If you're going to address the application you put before us today, we're going to ask you to come to this table in front of us. Tell us your name, where you live, and tell us about the application that you filed with the Worcester License Commission. Several items on the agenda today will be continued or postponed. I'll announce those as we go through the meeting. If you've applied for a regular liquor license, it will take approximately, it will be uploaded, if approved, to the Alcohol Beverage Control Commission also known as ABCC. I have redone within 48 hours of this meeting. It generally takes four to six weeks to get an opinion and a result. In the meantime, it is your responsibility, if you've applied for a full liquor license, to make sure you have code, building, fire, and all the inspection certificates that are needed to open up the business that you have asked the liquor license for. With that, I call to meeting the Worcester License Commission for September 10th, 2026. Motion to approve minutes of the last meeting of August 20th, 2026.

Second. Commissioner Cruz? Yes. Commissioner Fischer? Yes. Chair Vigliotti?

Yes. First on the agenda, Our Lady of Mercy, Maronite Catholic Church, 341 June Street. Request for one day liquor license, request for one day entertainment license for live music, live show, and DJs. for since Saturday, September 26th, from noon to 11 p.m., and Sunday, September 27th, from 11.30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Anyone present or online to address this application?

Good morning. Good morning. You are? This is Father Peter Frangie from University 341 June Street. And we plan for the two-day festival on September 26th and 27th for liquor license and for entertainment. And how many people are you expecting to attend? To be honest with you, this is our second one last year. We had one day festival. We have like 900 people.

And what do you have for security?

We have police detail and I have my people to keep their eyes around during the event.

I notice in reading the application, you're getting your liquor from Chieftain Liquors, is that correct?

Actually, no, we changed it to Atlas and Martinetti, Martinetti, I think, beverages. Okay, through the chair.

Through the chair, I was just going to explain that. I spoke to the father, and he talked to Martinetti and Atlas, and we'll be getting the alcohol from them.

Okay, that raised the issue. Commissioner Fischer?

No questions.

Commissioner Cruz?

Questions?

Sergeant Needham?

No issues.

Anyone present or online that has any questions or comments? Hearing none, motion to approve.

Second. Commissioner Cruz? Yes. Commissioner Fisher? Yes. Chair Vigliotti?

Yes.

Thank you.

Enjoy the event.

Have a blessed day.

Number two on the agenda, Canal Diggers Inc., 19 Temple Street, request for one day liquor license, request for one day entertainment license for live music, amplification system for Saturday, September 12th from 10.30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Anyone present? Online to address this application.

Commissioners, Brendan Moran from the Canal Diggers Inc. First of all, thank you for accommodating us. I know we had to reschedule a few weeks ago, so we appreciate Deb Steele and the commissioners accommodating our rescheduling. I know it's very close to the event, but this is the 20th running of the Canal Diggers Road Race. We're asking for a liquor license. We'll be working once again with Atlas Distributing. Once the race is over, we'll have one of the detail officers on site. We also have people checking IDs throughout the day to ensure compliance with the 21-year-old and over. And then we also will have a live band once again. We expect the live band to go on probably close to 11, and we usually wrapped up and done an off-site by 1.30. So I'd be happy to answer any questions.

Well, we were told by the legal department to ask you about the drawing, whether it was professionally done or not. Can you explain that at all?

I'm not an artistic man. I'm not a song and dance guy. I'm not artistic. So I did my best, commissioners. I thought it was an accurate drawing. Obviously, you know, someone illegal has a different opinion.

Don't blame us for the comments. Blame the legal department. Christian Fisher.

No questions.

Mrs. Cruz.

No questions.

Sgt. Needham.

No issues.

Anyone present or online have any questions or comments? Hearing none, motion to approve.

Second. Commissioner Cruz? Yes. Commissioner Fischer? Yes. Chair Migliani?

Yes. Thank you.

Thank you, Commissioners. Have a great day.

You too. Three on the agenda. Worcester Public Library Foundation through Salem Square requests for one-day liquor license for Thursday, September 17th from 6 p.m. to 7.30 p.m. Anyone present online to address this application?

Yes, hello, good morning. This is Christine Murray, the executive director of the Library Foundation. I live at 40 Metcalf Street in Worcester, and we're looking to serve alcohol at our annual meeting at the library from 6 to 7.30 on the 17th. It's a business meeting primarily with a short social piece of it and a speaker as well. We'll have custodians present, security present, and also library staff. And we will probably get between 80 to 100 people.

Okay. Mission efficient.

No questions.

Mission accrues.

No questions.

Sergeant Needham.

No issues.

Anyone present or online have any questions or comments? Hearing none, motion to approve.

Second. Commissioner Cruz? Yes. Commissioner Fischer? Yes. Chair Viglietti?

Yes. Thank you. Enjoy the event.

Thank you. Have a great day. Take care.

Bye. Number four on the agenda. Mark Gwinnett, 236 Franklin Street. Request for one day liquor license. Request for one day entertainment license for Dancing by Patrons. Amplification system, light show, DJ for Friday, September 18th from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. Good morning.

Good morning. My name is Larry Boyd, MB Lounge. I'm the manager there, and we're requesting, as you said, the one-day liquor license. We're hosting the after party for the Queer AF event at Mechanics Hall on the 18th.

Where do you live, sir?

I'm sorry? Where do you live?

I'm sorry, 15 Sheridan Drive, Shrewsbury.

Okay.

Please tell us about this application again.

We're applying for the one-day liquor license, the entertainment license. We have about 75 to 100 people coming to our parking lot that night. Again, we're hosting the after party for the Queer AF event. That'll be at Mechanics Hall on that night. So we're expecting, yeah, 75 to 100 people will be playing music outside. Kind of the same thing as we do as our block parties.

That's in the parking lot of the Chandler Auto Body. Correct. Correct. I saw you had a letter of approval. By the owner of the property to use it? Yes, sir. Okay. Commissioner Fisher?

No questions.

Commissioner Cruz?

No questions.

Sergeant Neum?

No issues any time that the applicant has hosted an event in the past. There's never been any issues. If there are, I know to contact the new manager, or if I have to hunt down and drag Mark in, things will get taken care of immediately. Lickety-split. Okay. But just as always, be cognizant. You've got the number of apartments now across the street. If there are any complaints, they'll come in to us, and I'll come down and let you know.

Very well. Anyone present online have any questions or comments? Hearing none, motion to approve.

Second. Cruz? Yes. Commissioner Fisher? Yes. Chair Vigliotti?

Yes. Thank you. Thank you very much. Number five on the agenda was the Psychobar Act 1855, 48 Green Street, request for one entertainment license for DJ application system for September 12th from 10.30 a.m. to 11.30 p.m. with a rain date of September 19th, 2026, same hours. Anyone present online to address this application?

Yes. Yes. Good morning, Council. Cam Brigham, 48 Green Street.

Good morning, Mr. Brigham.

So we're actually going to have the event on the rain date. There was some confusion. I wasn't sure that the, I didn't know that the Worcester Canal Biggers was doing the 5K. So we're going to switch the dates. Are you withdrawing September 12th day then? Yes, for the 19th, sir.

So we're asking for September 19th, correct?

Yes, sir. Okay. Yes, sir.

Please go ahead.

We're pretty much just shutting the half of Goddard Street off like we normally do with the fence in the front and the fence in the back. There will be a DJ with two speakers, not as loud as the other stuff that we do. And there will probably be 20 to 25 stationary bikes that will be in the alleyway for their exercise class. There's three classes, 1030, 1130, and 1230. And we hope that, you know, when they're done with the class, they can come inside to eat and drink.

No questions.

No questions.

I just noticed in the application, it says 1030 to 1130, but you have in classes 1030, 1130 and 1230. Do you need to extend? Yes.

Yeah, they contacted me after and asked if they could do a 10-30, three classes instead of two. So what hours are you asking for? Just for the actual alleyway, as soon as that 12-30 class is wrapped up, which will be 1-30, then the truck, the box truck will come. They'll put all the stationary bikes back in. So 1-30, I would call it 2-15. There's not going to be much hanging around with the alleyway as soon as that last class is done.

Let's clarify the time period. Starting time period would be what?

I would say 8.30 to give an hour to set up.

8.30.

Yeah.

Closing period?

Let's call it 2.30, please.

Let's wind it up at 2.30. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. Did you want to go 2.30?

I don't have a problem with it. It's 8.30 a.m. to 2.30 p.m.

Okay.

For the alley, correct.

Yes, sir. Entertainment only in that alleyway, Kim?

Yes, sir. Okay.

So there's no liquor that will be served from the bar outside in that area?

No, sir. Strictly inside.

All right. Commissioner Fisher?

No questions.

Commissioner Cruz?

No questions.

Sergeant, any other questions? Anyone present or online have any questions or comments? Hearing none, motion to approve.

Second. Commissioner Cruz? Yes. Commissioner Fisher? Yes. Chair Vigliati?

Yes. Thank you. Thank you. Number six on the agenda, Khalid Karachi, 100 Institute Road, request for one-day liquor license for Saturday, September 26th from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Hi, my name is Khalid Karachi. I live in Marlborough, Massachusetts. I'm the director of Careering at WPI. This is like we do this event every year. This is a reunion slash homecoming. Most of them are parents or the people who came to school in the past. So there's no student involved. We have managers and partners that are surf safe, alcohol, and also we have a campus police around here.

And how many folks are you expecting to attend?

We are assuming, I mean, we're expecting 600, no, I'm sorry, 300 people, but we usually serve probably like 100 people alcohol. Not everybody drink because it's kind of early event.

And are your servers TIP certified?

Yes, yes, I do. And the managers, all the managers are TIP certified.

Okay, thank you. Commissioner Fisher.

No questions.

Commissioner Cruz.

No questions.

Sergeant Needham. No questions. Anyone present or online have any questions or comments? Hearing none, motion to approve.

Second. Commissioner Cruz? Yes. Commissioner Fisher? Yes.

Yes. Thank you. Enjoy the event.

Thank you very much. Have a good day.

You too. Ryan Majors, 85 Green Street. Request for one-day liquor license, request for one-day entertainment license, live music amplification system for Saturday, September 19th from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Anyone present or online to address this application?

Good morning. Yes, sir. Ryan Majors, general manager at American Flatbread. 85 Green Street. So we're doing an Oktoberfest with a tent on Plymouth. So we were looking to close down Plymouth Street, have live music and serving just beer and some pretzels and food and whatnot outside.

How many people attending?

We're thinking between two and 250.

And what do you have for security?

So we're doing police detail as well as it's the same day as a game. So the street will already be closed down. And with the restaurant facilities. We have seven restrooms in the building with multiple One of each restrooms has multiple stalls in it as well. Okay. Thank you. Commissioner Fisher.

No questions.

Commissioner Cruz.

No questions.

Dr. Diem. There were a number of issues the last time they ran an event like this. So I just want to be clear. You're holding it on the side of the building where you have the patio between you and the jewelry store, Mai Tai's, correct? Correct.

Yes, sir.

the roads are going to be shut down from green street till the end.

Um, we plan on leaving an easement for anybody that needs to get into that alleyway or to the mechanical, uh, building or either restaurant that are behind my ties and Shannon's. So not using the entirety of the street, mostly just really between us and the, and the jewelry shop.

Yup. And how many people do you plan on expecting to attend?

We're thinking between two and 250. I mean, between the building and the tent and tables that we'll have outside.

Do you plan on or consider getting a police detail?

Yes, sir.

Okay. All right.

Anyone else have any questions or comments? You indicated there were issues before.

Yeah, there was a previous event and there was some issues regarding road closures, vendors not being properly licensed to be set up.

Did you hear that?

They were addressed that day and taken care of that day by Officer Harrington.

Yeah.

Yes, yeah, there are no other vendors that will be here. It'll be us serving.

DPW approval needed to close the street, I would assume.

Through the chair, we have met with special events. They are aware of what they need to do.

Okay. Again, any other comments or questions? Hearing none, motion to approve.

Second. Commissioner Cruz? Yes. Commissioner Fisher? Yes. Chair Vigliotti?

Yes. Thank you. Thank you. Number eight on the agenda, WooFest Block Party, City View, Worcester. Request for entertainment license for DJ for Saturday, September 19th, 3.30 p.m. to 5.30 p.m. Anyone present online?

Hi. Good morning. My name is Dr. Pharrell King. I'm director at Holy Cross. That's a very interesting picture chosen for us. So we are having a one-day event Tuesday, September 15 from 3.30 to 5.30. There will not be any alcohol involved. We will have a DJ playing music. We're shutting down City View Street. We will have Holy Cross Police shutting down the street for us and our police detail. It's a pretty straightforward event. hopefully we get 150 to 200 attendees last year was our first year of doing it um so this is our second year and we will um we already rented out porter potties for this event and we have accessible um restroom indoor inside our property called worcester house okay thank you commissioner fish

No questions, but I just want to say congrats on your 40 under 40 award. Thank you so much. I appreciate that.

No questions.

Anyone present online have any questions or comments? Hearing none, motion to approve.

Second. Commissioner Cruz? Yes. Commissioner Fisher? Yes. Chair Vigliotti?

Yes. Thank you. Enjoy the event.

Thank you. You all are invited.

Have a good day.

Thanks.

Number nine on the agenda, Christopher Besaw, 30 Exchange Street. Request for one day liquor license for Saturday, September 12th, 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. Friday, October 2nd, 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, October 10th, noon to 11 p.m. Friday, October 16th. 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, October 31st, from noon to 11 p.m. Mr. Bissar, are you online?

I am. Christopher Bissar from Sturbridge, Massachusetts. This is an extension of our summer concert series. We are extending it into the fall. These are smaller concerts that we'll be having in our lower... approximately between two and 500 people. We will have police details. We'll have our own security. United Sight Services is going to be doing our porta potties. Our liquor will be purchased through Atlas Consolidated and Martinetti, our typical vendors. All of our servers are TIPS certified and our managers are all crowd manager certified.

Okay. Thanks for darting the I's and crossing the T's for us. Mr. Fisher.

No problem.

No questions.

Commissioner Cruz.

No questions.

Sergeant Needham. No issues. Anyone present or online have any questions or comments? Hearing none, motion to approve.

Second. Commissioner Cruz. Yes. Commissioner Fisher. Yes. Chair Vigliotti.

Yes. Thank you. Thank you very much.

Have a great day.

You too. Next on the agenda, a common vehicular request. Number 10 on the agenda is Peters Pizzeria, LLC, 121 Milbury Street. Sunday operating hours, 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY AND SATURDAY ALL 10 A.M TO 2 A.M GOOD MORNING AND WELCOME HI MY NAME IS MARIA JAUMEDA I LIVE AT TWIN STONE IS THAT BUTTON THE GREEN LIGHT YES OKAY GO RIGHT AHEAD I'M SORRY I'M SORRY MARIA JAUMEDA I LIVE AT STONE TWIN STONE LAND ROAD WOOSTER

Welcome. Sir? Good morning, everyone. My name is Adam Khan, and I live in 27B Grace Ave, Shrewsbury.

Okay. Tell us about this common vehicular request that you put before us.

Sure. So this is a new pizzeria setup that we are doing. So this was an existing business, which was being run for almost like 35 to 40 years. So it's a change of ownership. So we are going to have like a pizzeria, which we're going to be serving like a not serving, like we'll be making pizza, subs, and wraps with some platters. So we don't have any dining. So people can eat there, but we'll not be serving the menu or the food.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Is there anything else you'd like to say?

You're all set? So it's a takeout spot, but there is... Yeah, there's a place where people can sit if they want to sit and eat.

Okay.

No questions.

Satya, do you...

No issues.

Anyone present online have any questions or comments? Hearing none, motion to approve.

Second. Mr. Cruz? Yes. Mr. Fisher? Yes. Chair Vigliari?

Yes. Thank you. Good luck with the new business. Thank you.

I appreciate it. Can we leave? Yes, you're all done. Unless you'd like to stay and watch.

The show goes on for another hour or so.

Thank you. Thank you, guys.

14 on the agenda. Tropical Chicken Flavors, 229 Canterbury Street, Sunday. I apologize.

You're skipping part of it. You didn't turn it over. I got it.

I apologize. Donuts, I said. The Coupe, 275 Park Ave, Sunday operating hours, 11.

This is not the chicken coop.

Oh, chocolate chicken.

It's a coop. Oh, you are, okay. Yeah.

Who's on first? Okay. No, no, no. It's just inside comments. Oh, no, no. Anyway, the coop, 275 Park Ave, Sunday operating hours, 11 to 11 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Thursday. Thursday, 11 a.m. to 1.30 a.m., Friday, 11 a.m. to 1.30 a.m., and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 1.30 a.m. Good morning and welcome, and who are you?

Good morning. My name is Angelo Setsos. I live at 38 Ellis Drive in Worcester. and let's open a quick uh service restaurant mostly takeout delivery at 275 park ave uh name of the restaurant would be the coop this will be our third location with current locations in milbury and westbrook what kind of food are you serving uh wings sandwiches barbecue um

Barbecue waffle fries. Yes, barbecue waffle fries. My favorite, yeah. So Mike's not coming to Worcester, he's staying in Millbury? Yes. Is that the, Mike Wells, he's staying at the Millbury location? Yes, exactly, yes. Okay, yeah. No, good, I'm happy you guys are gonna be close by.

Yeah. Mr. Cruz?

No questions.

Great. Dr. Neum? You say that's mostly gonna be takeout or dine-in?

No dine-in, there's no dine-in.

No dine-in.

Yeah, it's a takeout one.

Oh, that goes. Commissioner Cruz's, Fish's sentiments. I've visited your Millbury place plenty of times. Good stuff.

We're looking forward to opening this.

Should have brought some in.

I guess the next meeting, Sharon and the sergeant will bring us food for lunch, I guess.

Only if Commissioner Cruz approves.

Is there anyone present or online that has any questions or comments? Hearing none, motion to approve. Second.

Commissioner Cruz? Yes. Commissioner Fisher? Yes. Chair Vigliotti? Yes.

Thank you. Thank you.

Good luck with the business. 12, Not Your Mama's Worcester, Worcester Public Market, Sunday operating hours 11 to 8 p.m., Monday closed, Tuesday closed, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Anyone present or online to address this application?

Tropical Chicken.

No, stay there, stay there. Again, this is on Not Your Mom is Worcester, Worcester Public Market. Is there anyone present or online for this application? All right, we'll hold this to the end.

Can you hear me? Hello? Speak up. Hi, could you hear me? Yes, I can hear you. Hi, it's Gary and Lisa Young. to Carlisle Street, Worcester, Mass., looking to open up Not Your Mama's Vegan Cafe at the Worcester Public Market. Okay.

Tell us a little bit about the business you're looking to open up, please.

So we were once located at 6 Waldo Street in Worcester. We were a vegan cafe serving vegan comfort food, such as nostalgic stuff, steak and cheese, Italian subs, obviously made plant-based, just vegan food that tastes good. It doesn't taste like plants.

Thank you. Mr. Fisher.

No questions.

Mr. Cruz.

No questions.

Sergeant Needham. No issues. Anyone present or online have any questions or comments? Hearing none, motion to approve.

Second. Mr. Cruz. Yes. Mr. Fisher. Yes. Chair Vigliotti.

Yes. Thank you. Welcome, everyone. Thank you. Thank you. Have a good one. Maz Chicken, 910A Main Street. Operating hours, Sunday, 10 a.m. to 2 a.m., Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. Good morning, sir. Good morning.

How are you doing today? Good.

Who you are and where do you live?

My name is Mahmoud Awan. I recently moved to Rutland.

Just put that microphone a little closer.

Mahmoud Awan. I recently moved from New Hampshire to Rutland, Mass. I opened up to open up a Mass Chicken. And this will be the fifth location. They have four locations, two in Rhode Island, one in Boston, and one in New Hampshire.

And what kind of food are you serving?

We're serving fried chicken, rice, burgers, sandwiches.

Maybe you can educate this board. There have been tens of chicken applications in the last couple of meetings. Is there something special going on that we don't know about?

Mark is a family friend of mine. He has said it's a good business, successful business.

It's a popular business. It's a chain.

Yes.

A family chain. Okay. People in Worcester like chicken. I guess so.

We've opened about 12 of them in the last month or so.

Pork is my favorite white meat.

Do you have any questions? No issues. Anyone else have any questions or comments, either present or online? Hearing none, motion to approve.

Second. Mr. Cruz? Yes. Mr. Fisher? Yes. Chair Vigliotti?

Yes. Thank you. Good luck with the business. Thank you. finally number 14 tropical chicken flavors 229 canterbury street operating hours sunday 10 a.m to 10 p.m monday tuesday wednesday thursday friday 10 a.m to 10 p.m good morning welcome and tell us who you are yes good morning my name is patrick michelle um

open up the tropical chicken flavors serving mainly chicken only. Okay. Yes, just chicken. Yes. No rice, nothing. Yeah, rice also, rice and chicken salad, chicken rice. chicken wings and with tropical flavors.

Getting the impression they have a hungry group of people sitting with us.

Hungry, I guess, yeah.

Any other questions, Commissioner Fischer? No questions. Commissioner Cruz? No questions. Sergeant Needham?

No.

Yeah, Sergeant, any questions?

I was just inquiring through Deb if she had a picture of the structure. No, no issues.

Anyone present or online that has any questions or comments?

There is none.

Motion to approve.

Second. Commissioner Cruz? Yes. Commissioner Fischer? Yes. Chair Vigliai?

Yes. Thank you. Thank you much. Thank you.

Good luck.

Thank you.

Next on the agenda are alcohol and entertainment requests. Number 15, Fuguni Corporation, 108 Canterbury Street, request for change of manager. Anyone present or online to address this application?

Yes, good morning, Commissioners. Matthew Porter for Falguni Corp doing business as Randall Package. Before you is just an application for a change of manager to Chetan Kumar Patel. Mr. Patel has 10 years of experience in the liquor industry. He's been working at Randall Package for the past year since our folks purchased the business. He's alcohol tip certified, so certainly familiar with the business, has a background in in the industry and has gone through all those certifications. Beyond that, no changes to the business whatsoever.

Okay, thank you. Commissioner Fisher?

No questions.

Commissioner Cruz?

No questions.

Sergeant Needham, qualifications okay?

Yeah, based on the background investigation, there's nothing that would prevent the application moving forward and the proposed applicant being approved.

Anyone present or online have any questions or comments? Hearing none, motion to approve.

Second. Mr. Cruz? Yes. Mr. Fisher? Yes. Chair Vizieri?

Yes. Thank you. Excellent. Thank you. Appreciate it. Number 16, Nachos Dining, Inc., DBA Mexicali Cantina and Grill, 225 Schubert Street. Request for change of manager. Good morning.

Good morning members of the board. My name is attorney Nicholas Felici. I represent the applicant. With me this morning is the proposed manager, Dargely Moises, and the president and owner of Nacho's Dining, David Brambilla. You are?

Dargely Moises.

I'm David Brambilla. And is there anything else, Counselor, you would like to say to us?

This is a situation where Miss Moises has been the assistant manager at two of the other Mexicali restaurants in the area closer to Boston. And the family, the Brambilla family that owns the Mexicali restaurants, has asked her to come in. to manage the restaurant in worcester going forward she's fully tip certified has four to five years of experience uh as a server as a assistant manager in other mexicali restaurants as i indicated and she will bring uh her her experience uh to worcester and it looks like it would be a good very good fit for the uh the restaurant and for the the community

Thank you. Commissioner Fisher?

No questions.

Commissioner Cruz?

No questions.

Sergeant Needham, qualifications?

Based on the background investigation, there's nothing that would prevent the application moving forward and the proposed applicant being approved.

Okay, thank you. Anyone present or online have any questions or comments? Hearing none, motion to approve.

Second. Commissioner Cruz? Yes. Commissioner Fisher? Yes. Chair Vigliati?

Yes. Thank you. Thank you so much. Good luck with managing the business.

Thank you.

Thank you, members of the board. Thank you, counsel.

Take care.

On number 17, Omar Hash, Incorporation, DBA, and B Liquors, 110 McKeown Road, a motion to postpone the 924 meeting of the Worcester License Commission.

Second. Cruz? Yes. Commissioner Fisher? Yes. Giving the aye.

Yes. 18, Dubai Restaurant and Lounge, DBA, Mexitown Bar and Grill, 105 Water Street, request for change of manager. Request for change of DBA to Casablanca Restaurant and Lounge. Good morning.

Good morning, it's Adrian.

And let's start on the call.

Okay, here. Good morning, this is Lisa from 570 Eastwood Road in Southbridge. So I'm here for a change of manager and a change of DBA from Maxitown Bar and Grill to Casablanca Restaurant and Lounge. And I'm changing the manager from Gardenia Jimenez to Adrian Tavares.

Okay. Did you want to say anything? I'll let him speak first and then I'll speak. All right. Mr. Vision?

Oh, no, I have nothing.

Mr. Cruz? Questions.

Questions.

Sergeant Nito.

Based on the investigation, there's nothing that would prevent the proposed applicant, an application moving forward. There was an issue that was brought to the commission's attention the other day via an email regarding a event being promoted on social media that is scheduled for tonight. It's advertised as a back to school event from 10 at night till two in the morning. It's advertised as 105 Water Street, Casablanca Lounge. We've met with ownership, management, manager made them aware of the rules and regulations of the this License Commission in particular Once receiving a designation as a nightclub The rules particular to the nightclub were mentioned and It looks like it could be a bad stat They're approved as a nightclub the rules were spelled out and given to the proposed manager. In fact, I had him pull it up on his search engine and email himself a copy of the rules and regulations. Prior to leaving the business, when we conducted a view with the commission, I also made mention that now with the nightclub designation, security personnel must be on scene during all hours of business. One of the rules of the regulations of the commission is notification to the police department 14 days prior to any promoted event. There's an event that's being promoted, scheduled for tonight. We have not received any notice at all in regards to this event. Rules and regulations of this commission also establish that any business with an NC nightclub designation I require to submit an identification plan of how anybody below the age of 21 is to be identified not only upon entry but clearly identified while on premise so that anybody under the age of 21 is not in possession of alcohol. That also has not been complied with. I'll ask the proposed applicant, have you Cori-checked your security personnel?

Yeah, we have the Cori-check with Xavier Security. That's a security company that we've been working with. Regarding the promoted event has been canceled, I did speak to Officer Harrington yesterday. Yep. I did receive the package, and then I did an email for the next two weeks from now. So he has a new updated for the promoted events for the next two weeks.

I believe the one you sent is the first event is September 12th, correct?

No, the first event, I had to send him a different one, because he had told me, oh, look, it's too late. He said to set up the next month, beginning from September 20th ahead, and then in October. I haven't completed the October one, but I told him that I would have it today.

So it was clearly explained to you what a promoted event is by Officer Harrington, correct? Yes, he did mention. You're utilizing social media. Yep. Selling tickets, bringing in somebody who's not an employee of Casablanca. You understand that door's designated as a promoted event.

Yep.

Or anybody collecting a portion of the bar sales or the door, correct? Yeah. All right. So the event for tonight has been canceled. Yeah. Have you posted that on social media that the event has been canceled? You're also aware during all hours of operation, now that you have received on your occupancy as a nightclub designation, you have to have security personnel.

I have a question on that. On it because we're going to be selling food, let's say, you know, obviously the power is still going to be from five. Do we need a security?

You can coordinate that.

based on... Oh, sorry.

He wants to speak in the microphone. If... My bad. Since we still are going to be serving food from, you know, from 5 to 10, or 5 to 11, do we still need security for that time? Yes.

You have received that designation on your occupancy permit. That is a rule and regulation of this commission. You can tailor it based on, obviously... You want to be a restaurant, but you also want to be a nightclub. Before you were a restaurant, and then at whatever, the witching hour, you wanted to become a nightclub. Your occupancy permit now has you designated full-time as a nightclub.

Okay.

The rules and regulations don't change according to the time.

Okay.

So if you want to be during your restaurant hours, you still are required to have security personnel.

Okay. All right, that's fine.

Do you have security personnel?

Yeah, we have Xavier Security. It's outdoor. Outdoor a lot.

Yeah. Right in the restaurant too.

No, we came over with that, but now we're going to have them full time. Okay.

What are your hours of operation? From 5 to 2. 5 p.m. till 2?

Yeah.

Sunday through Saturday?

No, no, no. We're open from on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday.

What's Wednesday, Thursday?

Wednesday is from 5 to 1.

Thursday?

Thursday is going to be from 5 to 2.

Friday?

5 to 2. Saturday? 5 to 2.

Sunday?

3 to 2.

Okay, so you understand during those hours of operation, you have to have security personnel on premise.

I do understand.

Okay, and we're clear on what is a promoted event, what is not a promoted event. You want to have one of your employees or an employee of Casablanca playing music. When you bring in an outside DJ, et cetera, promoted event, whether they're getting a portion of the door, a portion of the bopper seats, cover charges, ticket sales, social media productions, that is now under the umbrella of a promoted event. You know that's going to be occurring, notify the police department 14 days in advance. You have the alcohol unit's email. I believe you have my email and Officer Harrington's.

I got Mr. Harrington.

But as long as it goes to WPD alcohol, everyone in the unit, it'll be visible too.

Perfect.

You've got a lot on your plate.

Yeah, I see that.

And you've got to set the tone right away.

I'll be more cautious on the promoter events, but from now on, you guys will receive an email months in advance.

Thank you.

Yeah, so through the chair, yeah, I just want to make a suggestion. I know you said Wednesday 5 to 1, and then the other dates, but why don't you just go 5 to 2 to keep it?

It's just that on Wednesday, we're not going to be, I mean, that's usually not the time that people usually try to go.

I know, but even if you... said five to two and you decide to close at one. Oh yeah. Like you could, you know what I mean? As opposed to like, cause it sounds like the other nights you're closing at 2 a.m. Yes. With the exception of Wednesday. Yeah. At one. So just a suggestion. You might want to just say. Yeah.

Can you put five to two?

Please.

For Wednesday. For Wednesday.

What are the hours? Five to two. If different date was Wednesday.

Five to 2 a.m. Yeah. So it just needs to be, that would need to be approved by the commission on a vote. But, um, It's Adrian, correct? Adrian. We're clear on also you have to establish and submit to the License Commission a plan of how to, what your plan is to not only identify 21 plus, but what is the plan that once they're inside your building, that that individual is clearly visible to bartenders, waiters, waitresses, bottle hosts, security agents, This person is either of legal drinking age or not of legal drinking age. So whatever plan you want to, whatever plan you have thought of that needs to be spelled out, memorialized and sent to the license commission. What do you have planned? If I can ask you now, what's your plan to,

Identify so realistically it's giving more 21 plus but it was just putting the 18 plus for the Thursday We were gonna close the bar because it was gonna be more so More so Not close the bar but I was giving more so like so the refreshments and not have any alcoholic presence involved for those type of events and then I

have a wristband on 18 and under minors okay so it's going to be a wristband program yeah anybody uh is it going to be anybody of age will have the wristband or anybody under 21 will have the wristband so there's gonna be a wristband for anybody under 21

Yeah, under 21.

I would go with somebody over because it's going to be very easy to cut that wristband off.

Over 21.

Yep. And bottle service?

Everybody's TIFF certified. We got the bottle hose. We got the cages. Yep. And Yeah. How many tables are you doing for bottle service? Well, we have, I believe it was six tables. Six tables. Six to eight tables.

That's in that raised area off to the right.

Yep.

And how many bottle hosts?

We have six bottle hosts. Six bottle hosts? Six bottle hosts.

Obviously, they're all TIP certified, and then we'll have that prepared.

Obviously, it ranges on the date, what day they work. Obviously, Thursday, we're not going to have six because that's the store day, but let's say on a Saturday, more busy.

Yep. As I said, it's more of a cautionary advice. You're the proposed new manager. You're going to need to set the tone under your direction. This is the way bottle service is going to be. You guys are going to follow my directions. Make sure that your security... the buck stops with you.

Yeah, I'm aware. I have, you know, obviously this has always been a learning process every time I come in here. But, you know, obviously I do want to keep the record straight that I have been, you know, enforcing more so, I know the promoter events, but the Corey checks, the tip certification.

You have your crowd manager certification?

I have my crowd manager certification, my bartender, and... and one of the busboys.

And what's your occupancy? 225. 225. So you have two crowd managers?

Yeah.

And that form has to be filled out every day?

Yep.

Keep a record of it on premise? Three years.

Do we need a plan submitted for how they're going to handle the under 21 AIDs?

I just inquired. from Adrian and it's going to be a wristband program. Anybody over the age of 21 will have the wristband designating to waiters, waitresses, bar staff, security, that they are of age. Like I said, that plan though needs to be spelled out, memorialized, emailed to the License Commission.

Perfect. And I can also send that to Deb Steele.

License, there should be a email address in the rules and regs.

Right here, license at Western Mass.

Yes. All right.

All right. We've gotten off on the wrong foot here. I'm glad you canceled the event because now you realize you have to give a 14-day notice. 14-day for this commission, correct? Yep.

Okay.

So no promoted events between, you know, for this 14-day period.

Yeah, the 14th, the 20th.

Understood, clear. Any other questions?

No questions.

Question approves.

No questions.

Sergeant, any other questions?

It was a lot.

So we're clear, Adrian, on the rules. We went over these when we inspected the place. We went over these when we did the bottle service. And here we are. I know, I know. Still not complying.

No, no. Like, obviously, with the 14 days, that's something I might have, you know, skipped, but I would.

I'm going to ask you to submit that plan for the ID within 30 days after this hearing. Today. Okay. Okay. Any other questions or comments? Hearing none, motion to approve. I think through the chair, I think we have to amend his Wednesday hours to 2 a.m. Subject to amending the hours from 5 a.m. to 2 a.m. and submitting a plan for ID under 21.

Second. Commissioner Cruz? Yes. Commissioner Fisher? Yes. Chair Vigliotti?

Yes. Please comply. I will.

I will, Mr. President.

Thanks, Adrian. Number 19, Interstate Management Company, LLC, DBA Hampton & Suites, 65 Prescott Street, request for change of offices and directors. Anyone present or online to address this application? Hold it until the end. 20, Worcester Vice, LLC, 27 Pleasant Street. Request for general on-premises all-alcohol license. Request for entertainment license for jukebox, TV, radio, dancing by patrons, dancing by entertainers, recorded music, live music, amplification system, play, light show, theatrical exhibition, karaoke, DJ inside, outside, radio, recorded music, amplification system. Let the record show that the commission did do a view of the premises. Good morning again and welcome.

Thank you.

Please tell your name, where you live, and tell us about the application.

Andrew Lappin from Littleton, Mass. Vice Worcester is a new concept in a space that's been vacant for several years as a bar-nightclub combination.

Okay. Anything else you'd like to tell us?

Anything else you'd like to hear? This is my first time doing this.

No, anything you'd like to tell us? It's your business. We want to hear what you're doing.

Yeah, I mean, it's unique in the sense that we cater specifically into the gay community. And we've been working closely with both the city and various different entities within the city to create a space that is both compliant and contributing to the cultural fabric of the city.

Okay, thank you. Commissioner Fisher.

Yeah, that's good advertising.

Commissioner Cruz.

No questions.

Sergeant Needham.

No issues.

The only issue that we saw when we were there was the amplification system for the outside. So you need to control that and have that shut off. I think it was, what did we say, 11 o'clock?

12. 12. 12.

Okay. So we would ask that none of that music be played after noon, after 12, at midnight.

Yes, sir. Okay.

Is there anyone present or online that has any questions or comments?

Yes, my name is Patrick DiGregorio. I live in Milford, Massachusetts, and I'm on the management team across the street at 446 Main Street. And the amplified music did get my attention. Understanding it would be stopping at 11. When does it start during the week?

That music is to the rear of the building, right? That's correct.

On the Pleasant Street side?

No, no, no. It's at the back on the other side. Back of the building. Okay.

Thank you for that clarification. Thank you.

Any other comments?

No.

Anyone else have any questions or comments? Hearing none, motion to approve.

Second. Mr. Cruz? Yes. Mr. Fisher? Yes. Chair Vigliotti?

Yes. Thank you. Welcome to Worcester. Thank you very much. 21 on the agenda, Mass Ventures, LLC, DBA, August Coffee, 548 Main Street, request for restaurant all-alcohol license. Let the record show that the commission did do a view of the premises this morning. Good morning and welcome again.

Good morning. Thank you. I'm going to pass off to my partner, Allison, to begin our conversation.

Hi, everyone. My name is attorney Allison. Oh, hi. How are you guys?

Good.

So I am attorney and also co-owner of August Coffee. Currently, we operate as a coffee shop, serving specialty coffee, espresso beverages, and lots of breakfast and lunch sandwiches. We are seeking an annual on-premise alcohol beverage license to extend our hours eventually. We're right across the street from the Hanover Theater, and numerous management staff from the Hanover has been urging us, even prior to open, to be open during their events prior and after to accommodate their guests and also we've had a lot of inquiries about private events which would love to have espresso martinis and other things like that so that is the focus of our license. Currently, we are in works with the GC to come up with more storage. Obviously, right now, we're operating as a coffee shop, so we're mainly storing espresso beans, but we are working to get more storage to accommodate alcohol beverages and alcohol bottles. We're also in the process of scheduling a full staff tip certification event, and Madison is in conversation with Marinetti for liquor distribution as well. So kind of a work in process.

Yeah, we understand. Sergeant Needham did go over with your partner about various requirements if you obtained a liquor license, including having everyone TIP certified, proper storage of the alcoholic beverages that have to be under lock, And I think it was made very clear at the meeting that Sergeant Needham explained all of that.

Yeah, absolutely. We will be accommodating that.

Commissioner Fisher.

No questions.

Commissioner Cruz.

No questions.

Sergeant Needham.

Just piggybacking on what you had mentioned, Commissioner. In discussion in the interview today, there was some discussion regarding possibly building out a larger storage area. If, in fact, that does happen, you probably wouldn't PROBABLY NEED A PERMIT TO DO THAT RENOVATION TO MAKE THAT ADDED STORAGE SPACE ON THAT BACK WALL, NOT UNDERNEATH THE BAR, BUT ALONG THAT BACK WALL AND JUST THAT ISSUE ABOUT THE ENTERTAINMENT.

AND THE OTHER ISSUE THAT AROSE THIS MORNING WHEN WE WERE THERE WAS WHETHER YOU HAVE AN ENTERTAINMENT LICENSE AND REQUIREMENTS YOU MAY NEED AN ENTERTAINMENT LICENSE IF YOU'RE GOING TO HAVE MUSIC, TV, RADIO OR ANYTHING OF THAT NATURE.

Yes, I apologize. I was unaware of the background music and radio requirement for the entertainment license. Since the walkthrough this morning, I have applied for that. Okay. So we will be addressing that immediately. Okay.

All right. Is there anyone else that has any questions or comments regarding this application? Hearing none, motion to approve.

Second. Commissioner Cruz? Yes. Commissioner Fisher? Yes. Chair Vidliat?

Yes. Thank you. Good luck with the new venture.

Thank you.

22, Metro Convenience Inc., motion to postpone to 9-24-2026. Second.

Commissioner Cruz? Yes. Commissioner Fischer? Yes. Chair Vigliai?

Yes. 23, 237 Cambridge, LLC, DBA Shell, 237 Cambridge, request for package store malt and wine license. Let the record show that we also did the review this morning at the premises. Good morning, gentlemen.

Good morning.

Please identify yourself and where you live.

Attorney Kevin Quinlan for the applicant.

My name is Roushank Patel.

Tell us about your application. Good morning. Good morning.

Thank you. So I am representing 237 Cambridge LLC on this beer and wine application for the store located at 237 Cambridge Street in Worcester. It's an ongoing gas station convenience store that's been there for, I understand, about 30 years. The applicant purchased it in July of this year. There's currently no beer and wine license, but again, it is an ongoing concern. The owners are Shrutaben Patel and Damishta Patel. Shrutaben also has a store with a beer and wine license in Ashland, and Damishta Patel has a store with a beer and wine license at 1099 Grafton Street in Worcester. Neither location has ever had an issue with their beer and wine licenses. The registered agent, Mr. Neeraj Patel, will be the day-to-day manager, physically in person. He'll be there between five to six days a week for five to eight hours, dividing his time between that location at Cambridge Street and the other store he manages, which is in Uxbridge, Massachusetts. They tell me the store is equipped with an automatic lock on the door, and there will be one on the beer and wine coolers. They have a policy currently, and this will be going forward as well, no more than four, sometimes no more than three, but never more than four customers inside at a time, I would suggest that would make it difficult for underage persons to obtain surreptitiously any alcohol. They will have a two-person staff open to close for safety reasons. Currently, they have 15 cooler doors, and they are going to be adding a total of six extra doors if the application is granted for serving alcoholic beverages. I understand all employees are TIP certified. There are only going to be three employees. And neither the owner, the manager, or the employee has any criminal record, I'm told. There's no violations in any of these locations by any of their family members. I know I represented the manager more than five years ago, I would say. Time flies. And there was a violation, a tobacco violation, but it was a flavored wrap that the distributor had accidentally apparently a distributor is supposed to be aware of this and screen certain things out. This was right after the change to no-flavored tobacco. I was able to obtain one of these wraps, and the flavor was like an alternate tobacco flavor. It wasn't fruity. It wasn't minty even. So I could see, you know, it really wasn't a... It certainly didn't violate the spirit of the law, which I think was... Yeah.

So they took that very seriously.

And, you know, they were unable to sell tobacco for an up-to-time period. So they understand the significance of if there were to be any violations, certainly. They tell me... To that point, they're going to check every ID, regardless of age, whether you look 21 or 121. They're scanning the ID. It's a family-run business. They don't expect high sales. They can be carrying limited stock. And I've seen them in operation. And my law office used to be across from one of their locations. And they run a pretty tight ship. There certainly won't be any promoted events. And I don't think the sergeant will be hearing about any issues from this location. As far as the factors. There are no beer and wine stores in the immediate vicinity, and this will allow the convenience of grabbing a bottle of wine and filling up a gas tank. I understand that they say that a lot of their regulars walk there, so this will be added convenience for them. With respect to the appropriateness of the location, there's no schools or parks there. It basically seems to be, to me, a normal urban setting. I'll come back to the number of licenses, but with respect to adequate parking, Again, they're only going to have it the most four customers at a time, and they already have a parking lot, so I don't think there should be any issue with that.

You don't think they'll involve spirits across the street? Across the street, yeah.

Not until October. With respect to number five, besides the proposed operation, again, there's an ongoing store there, and this family, knows well how to run convenience stores. They're not expecting any additional noise because there won't be anything other than people coming in, going out, and getting gas. My understanding is that their family has a good reputation. They run everything very professionally. Again, no history of violations. With respect to the number of Locations, apparently within a mile and a half, there are five. Webster Square package at .4, G&M Liquors at .5, Big Bob's Wine and Spirits at .6, Austin Liquors at 1.1, and Randall package at .3, as well as a number of other within the 2.5. My understanding is they're all full liquor licenses. There's not a beer and wine license anywhere in the area. Because I think that they're going to be responsible with this license. And for all the reasons that I've outlined, I'd ask the board to grant the permit.

I want to congratulate you on addressing the belly owners requirements. Is there anything else you'd like to say your client would like to say? No, no.

Uh, no, no questions. I agree. You guys have done a, um, great job with your other establishment. So, Commissioner Cruz? No questions.

Sergeant Neal?

No issues. Anyone present online have any questions or comments? I think you've addressed the questions and the comments. You've addressed the value on those requirements. We've seen the store. We're satisfied with the view. And with that, I'll make a motion to approve.

Second. Commissioner Cruz? Yes. Commissioner Fisher? Yes. Chair Viglietti?

Yes. Thank you. Thank you so much. Good luck with the new invention. Thank you so much. 24, Punta Cana, Byron Grill, 795 Main Street. Request for change of manager. Request for change of officers and directors. Good morning. Welcome. Good morning. Good morning.

My name is Jose Paulino. I'm the president of Punta Cana, and I bring the new manager for the business.

My name is Alexandra Rodriguez, and I live 188 Massasoit Road, Worcester.

Welcome. So tell us about the change of managers and directors. What's going on?

The old manager has resigned. I'm going to be the new one. I already applied for the transfer. So we are waiting for the approval.

Okay.

Okay.

No questions. No questions.

Based on the background investigation, there's nothing that would prevent the application moving forward. Upon approval, as the proposed manager, make sure that that TIP certification is completed. That certification copy of needs to be forwarded to the License Commission.

Understood.

Yes.

I just have a question for the chair. Is it still a restaurant, Punta Cana?

Yes. It is still a restaurant.

What time do you open to serve food? 11. 11 a.m.?

Yes.

Okay.

Thank you.

Is there anyone online or present that has any questions or comments?

I have a question. How long usually takes the transfer to Punta Cana?

Because I'm still waiting. Thanks. I have like years and a half waiting for the transfer.

Because the old one was waiting for a year and a half.

This isn't a transfer license. This is a change of managed office and directors. So it still has to go to the state. So it takes about four to six weeks. But you still can work there as manager.

Okay. Thank you. Okay. Have a nice day.

Anyone? One moment. Anyone else have any questions or comments? Hearing none, motion to approve.

Second. Commissioner Cruz? Yes. Commissioner Fisher? Yes. Jim Iliade?

Yes. Thank you. Have a good day.

Enjoy the business.

Number 25, Parku Parku, 215 Chandler Street, motion to postpone to 9-24-26. Second. Second.

Second. Commissioner Cruz? Yes. Commissioner Fischer? Yes. Chair Vigliotti?

Yes. Number 26, Italian American World Law Vets of the U.S. Inc., Post 3, 1419 Court, request for change of manager, postpone, motion to postpone to 9-24-26.

Second. Mr. Cruz? Yes. Mr. Fisher? Yes. Chair Vigliotti?

Yes. 27 PSI Theta, new fraternity, 8 Elbert Street, request for lodging, house license.

I'm sorry, I should say 17 Dean. Say it again? It should be 17 Dean Street.

17 Dean?

Correct.

Okay, let me change that.

Mr. Chairman, it's already been. It is Dover protected, so it didn't need to go to the zoning board. They're just here to request their license.

Yeah, is there any present or online to address this application?

No, it's 17.

Is it 17 Dean Street?

Oh, I'm sorry. You're sure it's not 8 Elbridge? Oh, I'm sorry. It is. You're at Elbridge. I'm sorry. I'm confused. It is Elbridge. I'm sorry.

I changed it.

All right.

Change it. It was the owner. All right. So we're back to 8 Elbridge. Is that right? Yes. All right.

My name is Nick Palumbo. I'm the director of design and construction at WPI. My name is the global good morning. And yeah, just so we're all clear. It's eight Elbridge Street It's not associated with Greek life. It's a WPI owned property that was previously a three-floor apartment building that we're converting to a lodging house for undergraduate students. Is the owner WPI of the property? Correct. It's not the fraternity?

Correct. Okay. Fraternity renting from you? Nope. It's not affiliated with Northlife at all. Okay. So why do I have fraternity here rather than WPI?

He's representing...

Well, I don't, I can't speak to where the fraternity title came from. The application is from WPI.

Through the chair, we can just amend it online.

Okay, so it's WPI. Let's get that clarified. Yes. All right. My fraternity house is no longer around. Anyway, so please, Mr. Bob, proceed.

Yes, as I mentioned, it's a 5,000-square-foot, three-floor residence on 8 Elbridge Street, previously housed grad students as an apartment building. We're now converting it to a lodging house to accommodate undergraduate resident students.

And who, is there a resident manager who will be living in the house?