February 7, 2001 Liquor Board Meeting

City of Central Falls

Liquor Board Meeting

City Hall Council Chambers

Wednesday, February 7, 2001

At 6:30 P.M.

Agenda

A meeting of the Central Falls Liquor Board was held on the above date in the City Hall Council Chambers at 6:45 p.m.

1. Roll Call

Councilman Leger

Councilwoman Canavan

Councilman Noury

Councilman Robichaud

Councilman Lazieh

Quorum present.

Councilman Lazieh chaired the meeting and led the assembly in the Pledge of Allegiance.

2. Minutes

a) November 6, 2000

Motion to accept and place on file was made by Councilwoman Canavan and seconded by Councilman Robichaud. All Agreed. So Voted.

b) November 20, 2000

Councilwoman Canavan asked that the minutes be amended on page 3:

"Councilwoman Canavan clarified the 200'rule with the Liquor Control Administrator's Office and stated that it applies to the corner of the building to the corner of the property line of the school or church."

Motion to approve as amended was made by Councilwoman Canavan and seconded by Councilman Robichaud. All Agreed. So Voted.

3. Correspondences

4. Hearings

A.) Tropicana Nightclub -re: Open & Serving Alcohol after 1:00 a.m.

Mr. Salazar pleaded not guilty at the November 20, 2000 meeting.

B.) Vulcao Cafe- re: Sale to underage persons.

Board tabled this to investigate previous offenses

Motion to table A & B was made by Councilman Noury and seconded by Councilwoman Canavan.

All Agreed. So Voted.

C.) Superior Liquors-re: Sale to underage persons.

Remanded back to Board for Hearing by Liquor Control Administrator.

Chairman Lazieh stepped down from the Chair and turned the meeting over to Vice-Chair Canavan.

Councilman Lazieh recused himself from discussing and voting on this item in compliance with Section 36-14-6 (2) (b) and stated that he is the property owner of the licensed establishment and the holder of a lease from William Ayoola.

City Solicitor James Briden gave a brief background. He stated that Mr. Ayoola told the Liquor Control Administrator that he wanted a hearing because of his lack of understanding of the previous Liquor Board meeting. Solicitor Briden stated that Mr. Ayoola is represented by Legal Counsel and that a hearing at the Liquor Control Administrator's Office would be de novo.

Present at the meeting is Sgt. Maloney from the Central Falls Police Department who is the Officer in charge of these Establishments.

Councilman Noury questioned Mr. Briden.

Solicitor Briden stated that there are 2 aspects to this case; One is the criminal prosecution, at the District Court Level, which Mr. Ayolla pleaded nolo, and the

other is the action on the license which the Board is the hearing authority. He stated that Mr. Ayolla is still entitled to a hearing but that he would be willing to pay a $600.00 fine with no suspension. Solicitor Briden stated that Mr. Ayoola is the sole proprietor of the business and has a family to support. He said to close the business would pose a hardship.

Attorney David J. Colantonio of 425 Broadway, Providence, R.I. addressed the Board. He related that Mr. Ayoola had taken steps to improve and tighten up this matter. He said that a Video Camera has been installed. He said that Mr. Ayoola is not in the position to close since he has a family to support and bills to pay. In addition to the camera a book will be signed and Mr. Ayoola is in the business at all times.

Councilman Noury questioned Sgt. Maloney.

Councilman Robichaud questioned Mr. Ayoola.

Councilwoman Canavan asked what the usual fine in the District Court is.

The first offense is $250; Second $500. Etc.

Motion to fine Superior Liquors $600.00 with no closing penalty was made by Councilman Leger and seconded by Councilman Noury.

Councilman Robichaud warned Mr. Ayoola of what would happen if he came before the Board again.

Councilman Noury stated that he believes that Mr. Ayoola is paying a stiff penalty for this infraction, which includes the District Court fine, the City's fine as well as Attorney fees.

Councilman Leger                     yes

Councilman Noury                    yes

Councilman Robichaud             yes

Councilwoman Canavan           yes

Motion carried 4 yes 0 no 1 absent 1 recused

Chairwoman Canavan returned the Chair to Councilman Lazieh.

5. Unfinished Business

None

6. New Business

Motion to summons Ideal Cafe; Central Drug; Madeira Club and Casimir Pulaski to the February 28th meeting was made by Councilman Leger and seconded by Councilman Robichaud. All Agreed. So Voted.

Motion to request Splash Bar and Bug Club to appear at the next meeting was made by Councilman Leger and Councilman Robichaud. All Agreed. So Voted.

7. Adjourn

Motion to adjourn was made by Councilwoman Canavan and seconded by Councilman Leger.

All Agreed. So Voted. Time 7:30 p.m.

_________________________________

Elizabeth A. Crowley, CMC

City Clerk