Pawtucket Board of License Commissioners
April 21, 1999
A regular session of the Pawtucket Board of License Commissioners is held Wednesday, April 21, 1999, at seven fifty-three o’clock p.m. in the City Council Chambers, City Hall, Pawtucket, Rhode Island.
Present - Chairman Barry; Councilors Bray, Carr, Clemente, Grebien, Hodge, Moran, and Wildenhain.
Absent - Councilor Hoyas.
Chairman Barry presides.
The reading of the records of April 7, 1999, is dispensed with and the records are approved as prepared by the Clerk.
AN INFORMAL HEARING is held on the following license:
Masonic Temple, 50 Pleasant Street/Taft Street
The first speaker is Captain Stephen Ormerod, Pawtucket Police Department.
Captain Ormerod refers to the incident which happened at the Temple on March 28, 1999, involving late night activities, until 3:00 a.m., included alcohol being served.
Captain Ormerod states that there was a DJ and approximately 100 persons in attendance; he considers this a safety issue as well as a fairness issue to the other businesses in the city who are required to have entertainment licenses as well as police and fire details at these events.
Representing the Masonic Temple is Edwin Wilber, Property Manager.
President Barry states that this is the second time that there are problems at the Temple.
Mr. Wilber states that he is sorry that this has happened and is taking steps to stop this from happening in the future.
Mr. Wilber states that the policy is to close as 12 midnight, and he does not know who gave permission to remain open until 3:00 a.m. He further states that the Masonic Temple does not allow liquor. Also, tickets will not be allowed to be sold to attend any event.
Mr. Wilber states that there are approximately 2000 members of the Masonic Temple in the Blackstone Valley, and they do not want to get into the liquor business. The hall is rented in order to bring in some income.
President Barry warns the Masonic Temple that no action will be taken at this time; however, any future incidents will result in more severe action taken by the City Council.
Mr. Wilber states that a member of the Masonic Temple will be present at all events from now on.
President Barry advises Mr. Wilber to make sure that a member is present at all events.
The hearing is closed.
A public hearing is held on the following license advertised for this time:
CLASS B (Victualer)
Toti’s Pizza & Restaurant, Inc. (transfer from Toti’s Pizza Palace, Inc.) 622 Central Ave. LIC#10256
Speaking in favor is applicant, Eli Ghali, 65 Stony Acre Drive, Cranston, RI.
Councilor Wildlenhain question applicant on prior experience.
Mr. Ghali states that has worked for the prior owner for 13 years and will continue the same type of operation. Liquor is served with meals only; and all employees are TIPS certified.
There are no other speakers.
The hearing is closed.
Upon motion made by Councilor Wildenhain, seconded by Councilor Hodge, the following license is approved on a unanimous voice vote:
CLASS B (Victualer)
Toti’s Pizza & Restaurant, Inc. (transfer from Toti’s Pizza Palace, Inc.) 622 Central Ave. LIC#10256
Communication from Captain Stephen P. Ormerod, to Chief George Kelley, III. (Activity report - Club Cosmopolitan - March 31 -April 4, 1999) is READ AND ORDERED FILED.
Communication from Captain Stephen P. Ormerod, to Chief George Kelley, III. (Activity report - Club Cosmopolitan - April 7, 10, 11, 1999) is READ AND ORDERED FILED.
The following petition for license is GRANTED on a unanimous voice vote:
CLASS F (Beer & Wine)
Convergence Pawtucket Committee, to sell beer and wine during the Arts Festival, at Various Locations throughout the city (see attached) from June 11, June 20, 1999. LIC#42
Upon motion made by Councilor Bray, seconded by Councilor Hodge, the meeting is adjourned at eight ten o’clock p.m.