Pawtucket Board of License Commissioners
August 5, 2009
A regular session of the Pawtucket Board of License Commissioners is held Wednesday, August 5, 2009, at 7:04 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, City Hall, 137 Roosevelt Avenue, Pawtucket, RI.
Present – Chairperson Kinch, Councilors Barros, Barry, Chadwick, Hodge, Tetreault and Vitali.
Absent – Councilors Moran and Wildenhain.
Chairperson Kinch presides.
The reading of the records of July 22, 2009 is dispensed with and the records are approved as prepared by the Clerk.
UPON UNANIMOUS CONSENT OF THE BOARD, THE FOLLOWING LICENSE IS TAKEN UP:
CLASS A – Transfer of owner & location
Bela Vista Liquors, Inc., d/b/a Bela Vista Liquors, 479 Smithfield Ave (transfer from Brava Liquor & Wines Inc., d/b/a Di Nos Wine & Spirits, 239 Prospect St) LIC#5242
A PUBLIC HEARING ON THE FOLLOWING APPLICATION FOR LICENSE, WHICH WAS ADVERTISED FOR A HEARING AT THIS TIME, IS TAKEN UP:
PUBLIC HEARING:
CLASS A – Transfer of owner & location
Bela Vista Liquors, Inc., d/b/a Bela Vista Liquors, 479 Smithfield Ave (transfer from Brava Liquor & Wines Inc., d/b/a Di Nos Wine & Spirits, 239 Prospect St) LIC#5242
Speaking in opposition is Representative William SanBento, Jr., District 58, 25 Nathanael Avenue, Pawtucket, RI
Rep. SanBento states that he is getting calls against another liquor store in the neighborhood, because there are two liquor stores and several bars already in the area. He states that they don’t need a third liquor store. He is concerned about people sitting in the parking lot and drinking liquor.
Speaking in opposition is Seyha Phul, 9 Suzzette Circle, Millville, MA
Mr. Phul states that he is in the process of getting a transfer from Fairlawn Wine Company, and he thinks that this store will be way too close.
Speaking in opposition is Alda Collins, 12 Kenmore Way, Lincoln, RI
Ms. Collins states that she owns Fairlawn Wine Company. The family owned store has been there since 1936. She is transferring the license. She thinks that another liquor store would be difficult for the neighborhood. There is enough in the area.
Speaking in opposition is Lina Chhem, 2 West Butterfly Way, Lincoln, RI.
Ms. Chhem states that she owns Beano’s Liquor store and she agrees that there are too many liquor stores in the area.
Speaking in favor is Attorney Joseph Anthony DiMaio, 1168 Newport Avenue, Pawtucket, RI, representing the applicant.
Mr. DiMaio states that this is a transfer coming from Prospect Street, near a hospital and in a residential area. He thinks that a liquor store would fit better on Mineral Spring Avenue.
He states that Mr. Gomes works in the winery business. He is a good family man. He states that the parking lot for the store is large and won’t cause congestion. He will have different wines from Napa Valley. It will be an upscale establishment.
Mr. DiMaio states that Mr. Gomes will have wine tastings with local restaurants. He will have 3-4 employees. Mr. Gomes plans to buy property in the area to keep an eye on the store.
Mr. DiMaio also states that there are churches near the other stores, as well as this store. He shows pictures of this area and around the Prospect Street store, which are made part of the record.
Speaking in favor is the Manuel Gomes, applicant, 1132 Church Street, Saint Helena, CA.
Mr. Gomes states that he is not trying to drive anyone out of business. He believes that competition is good. He lives in California, but spends much time in Pawtucket. Half of his family lives here.
Councilor Barry states that Mr. Gomes has been a credit to the Prospect Street neighborhood.
There are no other speakers.
The hearing is closed.
Upon motion made by Councilor Chadwick, seconded by Councilor Hodge, the motion to DENY the following license is APPROVED on a roll call vote, as follows:
Ayes - Chairperson Kinch, Councilors Barry, Chadwick, Hodge, Tetreault and Vitali.
Noes – Councilor Barros.
CLASS A – Transfer of owner & location
Bela Vista Liquors, Inc., d/b/a Bela Vista Liquors, 479 Smithfield Ave (transfer from Brava Liquor & Wines Inc., d/b/a Di Nos Wine & Spirits, 239 Prospect St) LIC#5242
Communication from Thomas W. Pearlman and Akiva Pearlman, Attorneys at Law, to Pawtucket Board of Licenses. (Proposed Liquor License at “Jacs Wraps” 365 East Avenue) is READ AND ORDERED FILED.
Communication from Michael E. Burns, Traffic Engineering Supervisor, to Pawtucket City Council. (Jacs Wraps, 385 East Ave – Parking Scheme Layout) is READ AND ORDERED FILED.
THE CHAIR RECOGNIZES COUNCILOR BARRY.
With majority consent of the Council, Councilor Barry introduces the following communication:
Communication from Peter J. Petrarca, Esq., 330 Silver Spring Street, Providence, RI, to the Pawtucket City Council. (Request to Reschedule Liquor Hearing - Jacs Wraps, 385 East Ave)
Upon motion made by Councilor Barry, seconded by Councilor Chadwick, the following communication is READ AND ORDERED FILED.
Communication from Peter J. Petrarca, Esq., 330 Silver Spring Street, Providence, RI, to the Pawtucket City Council. (Request to Reschedule Liquor Hearing - Jacs Wraps, 385 East Ave)
THE FOLLOWING PETITION WAS LAID ON THE TABLE AT THE MEETING HELD JUNE 24, 2009 AND IS AGAIN TAKEN UP AND IS LAID ON THE TABLE UNTIL SEPTEMBER 9, 2009, ON A UNANIMOUS VOICE VOTE:
CLASS B (Victualer) New
Jacs Wraps Inc., d/b/a Jacs Wraps, 385 East Ave., LIC#5157
A PUBLIC HEARING ON THE FOLLOWING APPLICATION FOR LICENSE, WHICH WAS ADVERTISED FOR A HEARING AT THIS TIME, IS TAKEN UP:
CLASS A – Transfer 50% of stockholders
Jorica Liquors LLC d/b/a Lonsdale Wine & Spirits, (transfer 50% stockholders) 465 Lonsdale Ave. LIC#5237
Speaking in favor is Joseph Kishfy, license holder, 1 Morning Star Court, Lincoln, RI,
Mr. Kishfy states that he is currently a 50% stockholder; he will become a 100% owner.
Also, he states that he owns the plaza.
There are no other speakers.
The hearing is closed.
THE CHAIR RECOGNIZES COUNCILOR HODGE.
With majority consent of the Council, Councilor Hodge introduces the following communication:
Communication from Paul J. Pisano, Attorney, to Pawtucket Board of License Commissioners, objecting to the transfer of Class A Liquor License of Jorica Liquors Inc., d/b/a Lonsdale Wine & Spirits to Jorica Liquors Inc., d/b/a Lonsdale Wine & Spirits, in the total amount of $10,872.14.
Upon motion made by Councilor Hodge, seconded by Councilor Chadwick, the following communication is READ AND ORDERED FILED.
Communication from Paul J. Pisano, Attorney, to Pawtucket Board of License Commissioners, objecting to the transfer of Class A Liquor License of Jorica Liquors Inc., d/b/a Lonsdale Wine & Spirits to Jorica Liquors Inc., d/b/a Lonsdale Wine & Spirits, in the total amount of $10,872.14.
THE CHAIR RECOGNIZES COUNCILOR CHADWICK.
Upon motion made by Councilor Chadwick, seconded by Councilor Hodge, the following license is APPROVED, SUBJECT TO THE PAYMENT OF ALL OUTSTANDING CLAIMS, on a unanimous voice vote:
CLASS A – Transfer 50% of stockholders
Jorica Liquors LLC d/b/a Lonsdale Wine & Spirits, (transfer 50% stockholders) 465 Lonsdale Ave. LIC#5237
A PUBLIC HEARING ON THE FOLLOWING APPLICATION FOR LICENSE, WHICH WAS ADVERTISED FOR A HEARING AT THIS TIME, IS TAKEN UP:
Class A – Transfer of owner
Angkor Wine & Spirits LLC d/b/a Fairlawn Wine Company, (transfer from Fairlawn Wine Company Inc., d/b/a Fairlawn Wine Company) 551 Smithfield Ave. LIC#5241
Speaking in favor is David DiPalma, Attorney for the current owner, 138 Warren Avenue, East Providence, RI
Mr. DiPalma states that the business is an asset to the community.
There are no other speakers.
The hearing is closed.
THE CHAIR RECOGNIZES COUNCILOR HODGE.
With majority consent of the Council, Councilor Hodge introduces the following communication:
Communication from Paul J. Pisano, Attorney, to Pawtucket Board of License Commissioners, objecting to the transfer of Class A Liquor License of Fairlawn Wine Company Inc., d/b/a Fairlawn Wine Company, to Angkor Wine & Spirits LLC d/b/a Fairlawn Wine Company, in the total amount of $9,740.03
Upon motion made by Councilor Hodge, seconded by Councilor Chadwick, the following communication is READ AND ORDERED FILED.
Communication from Paul J. Pisano, Attorney, to Pawtucket Board of License Commissioners, objecting to the transfer of Class A Liquor License of Fairlawn Wine Company Inc., d/b/a Fairlawn Wine Company, to Angkor Wine & Spirits LLC d/b/a Fairlawn Wine Company, in the total amount of $9,740.03
THE CHAIR RECOGNIZES COUNCILOR CHADWICK.
Upon motion made by Councilor Chadwick, seconded by Councilor Hodge, the following license is APPROVED, SUBJECT TO THE PAYMENT OF ALL OUTSTANDING CLAIMS, on a unanimous voice vote:
CLASS A – Transfer of owner
Angkor Wine & Spirits LLC d/b/a Fairlawn Wine Company, (transfer from Fairlawn Wine Company Inc., d/b/a Fairlawn Wine Company) 551 Smithfield Ave. LIC#5241
A PUBLIC HEARING ON THE FOLLOWING APPLICATION FOR LICENSE, WHICH WAS ADVERTISED FOR A HEARING AT THIS TIME, IS TAKEN UP AND IS CONTINUED UNTIL THE MEETING OF AUGUST 19, 2009:
CLASS C – Transfer of owner
Leonora R. Marques d/b/a Boulevard Tap (transfer from Dancinbr Enterprises LLC d/b/a Ray’s Boulevard Tap), 572 Armistice Blvd. LIC#5198
Communication from Major Bruce Moreau, Pawtucket Police Department, to Pawtucket Board of License Commissioners. (Illegal Sale of Alcohol to Underage Person – International Liquors of Main Street, Inc., 915 Main St.; The Call Sports Pub LLC d/b/a Call Sports Pub, 47 Mendon Avenue and T & W Restaurant, Inc., d/b/a Super Dragon Chinese Restaurant, 805 Broadway) is READ AND ORDERED FIELD.
THE CHAIR RECOGNIZES COUNCILOR HODGE.
With majority consent of the Council, the following motion made by Councilor Hodge, seconded by Councilor Vitali, is PASSED on a unanimous voice vote:
The Clerk is instructed to issue a summons to International Liquors of Main Street Inc., 915 Main Street and The Call Sports Pub LLC d/b/a Call Sports Pub, 47 Mendon Avenue, to appear at a FORMAL HEARING on Wednesday, September 9, 2009, for the following reasons:
1. On or about June 25, 2009: Authorizing the sale or delivery to an underaged person for purposes of sale, possession or consumption of an alcoholic beverage on the license premises either for said underaged person’s own use or of any other person (Violation of R.I. Gen. Laws § 3-8-1).
2. On or about June 25, 2009: Failure to maintain control of patrons, agents or employees and/or permitting any of the laws of this state to be violated on the license premises (Violation of R.I. Gen. Laws § 3-5-23).
THE FOLLOWING PETITION FOR LICENSE IS APPROVED ON A UNANIMOUS VOICE VOTE:
Class F –1 (Beer & Wine)
Petition of Rhode Island Watercolor Society, to sell beer and wine at art reception for annual national show, at Slater Memorial Park, 441 Newport Avenue on October 3, 2009 from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. LIC#5253
Upon motion made by Councilor Hodge, seconded by Councilor Chadwick, the meeting is adjourned at 7:53 p.m.