Pawtucket Board of License Commissioners

April 21, 2021

 

 

A regular session of the Pawtucket Board of License Commissioners is held Wednesday, April 21, 2021, at 6:58 p.m., via videoconference on ZOOM during the COVID-19 pandemic, per Governor’s orders up to and including 21-30.

 

Present – Chairperson Moran, Councilors Araujo, DaRosa, Mercer, Rudd, Schuette, Vasquez and Wildenhain.

 

Absent – 0.

 

Chairperson Moran presides.

 

 

The reading of the records of April 7, 2021 is dispensed with and the records are APPROVED as prepared by the Clerk, on a roll call vote, as follows:

 

AYES – President Moran, Councilors Araujo, DaRosa, Mercer, Rudd, Schuette, Vasquez and Wildenhain.

 

NOES – 0.

 

 

*THE FOLLOWING PETITIONS FOR LICENSES ARE APPROVED ON A ROLL CALL VOTE, AS FOLLOWS:

 

AYES – President Moran, Councilors Araujo, DaRosa, Mercer, Rudd, Schuette, Vasquez and Wildenhain.

 

NOES – 0.

 

*PETITION FOR LICENSE:

 

ENTERTAINMENT –

 

A.    Petition of News Café, to conduct a Benefit Car Show with 2 live bands at 43 Broad Street (parking lot) on Saturday, June 5, 2021, from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. LIC#14660

 

HOLIDAY LICENSE New –

 

HOLIDAY Renewal –

 

Central Avenue Bakery (Alves & Sons Bakery LLC) 679 Central Ave.  LIC#3253

 

T-Mobile (T-Mobile Northeast LLC) 7 Newport Avenue, LIC#14648

 

HOLIDAY LICENSE Transfer –

 

Darlington Market (3 Star Inc) 614 Central Avenue, LIC#14657

(transfer from Darlington Market Inc.)

 

VICTUALLING HOUSE First Class transfer –

 

Darlington Market (3 Star Inc) 614 Central Avenue, LIC#14658

(transfer from Darlington Market Inc.)

 

AUTOMOBILE REPAIR SHOP AND SECOND HAND SHOP LICENSES (CLASS A & B) (Selling used automobiles and parts) Renewals -

 

Accurate Auto Center (Accurate Auto Center Inc.) 939 Newport Avenue, LIC#14200 LIC#14201

**Division Street Auto Sales & Service (Ferreira, Albino) 595 Division St. LIC#2300 #2301

**Frizzo Auto Sales (Frizzo Cars LLC & Fry Business Holdings, Inc.) 117 Webster St. LIC#14093 #14086

Gansett Auto Sales and Parts (Liberty Auto Group LLC) 206 Pine St. LIC#11617 #11616

**JE Auto Sales (JE Auto Sales LLC) 163 Mineral Spring Ave. LIC#11439 LIC#11440

**Liberty Auto Sales and Repair (Gonzalez, Mario H) 192 Pine St. and 62 Church St.  LIC#2482 #2483 (Gansett Auto Sales)

Moe’s Auto Sales and Service (Moe's Auto Sales and Service Inc.) 19 Benefit St. LIC#2120 #2121

 

AUTO REPAIR SHOP & SECOND HAND SHOP CLASS B (Parts Only) Renewals -

 

ACE Armature (ACE Armature Co, Inc.) 683 Mineral Spring Ave. LIC#2006 #2007

C J's Auto Service of  Pawtucket (Casey & Son’s Inc.) 556 Main St. LIC#2027 #2028

**Frank’s Auto (Frank’s Auto LLC) 5 Quincy Ave. LIC#12211 #12264

George’s Advanced Auto Care (George’s Advanced Auto Care LLC) 577 Smithfield Ave. LIC#5553 #5554

**Luis Auto Service (Salguero, Henry) 611 Weeden St. LIC#13656 #13657

Phoenix Auto Sales and Repair (Brederson, Edward) 531 Main St. LIC#10620 #10621

**Sterry Street Auto  Repair (Sterry Street Auto Sales Inc.) 77 Sterry St. LIC#2451 #2452

 

SECOND HAND SHOP ONLY (Class B – Used Parts) Renewal -

 

Mely Tires Shop (Xiquin, Regino) 840 Mineral Spring Ave. LIC#7641

 

AUTO REPAIR SHOP ONLY Renewals-

 

Art's Sunoco Service (Ogni, Arthur) 326 Central Ave. LIC#2129

**Jiffy Lube #824, (Mc LLC) 121 Newport Ave. LIC#2251

Wholesale Muffler (Liberty Auto Group LLC) 510 Main St. LIC#11615

 

SECOND HAND SHOP (Class C – Used Miscellaneous Merchandise) Renewals -

 

Fastcash Pawn & Checkcashers (Fastcash Pawn & Checkcashers, Incorporated & Frye Business Holdings, Inc.) 846 Newport Ave. LIC#5907

Lost Treasures (Lost Treasures LLC) 238 Middle St. LIC#10887

Pawtucket Pawn Brokers (NC Pawn Inc) 261 Main St. LIC#11507

Top Shelf Vintage Co. (Schisler, Annie and Valeri, Douglas) 35 Exchange St. LIC#13655

 

PAWN SHOP Renewals -

 

Fastcash Pawn & Checkcashers (Fastcash Pawn & Checkcashers Incorporated & Frye Business Holdings, Inc.) 846 Newport Ave. LIC#14099

Pawtucket Pawn Brokers (NC Pawn Inc.) 261 Main St. LIC#11505

 

 

UPON UNANIMOUS CONSENT OF THE BOARD, THE FOLLOWING PUBLIC HEARING WHICH WAS WAS CONTINUED AND THE APPLICATION WHICH WAS POSTPONED AT THE MEETING HELD APRIL 7, 2021, IS AGAIN TAKEN UP AT THIS TIME:

 

CLASS B (Victualer) New -

 

Caribbean Delights (The Hummingbird Syndicate Inc.) 560 Mineral Spring Avenue, LIC#14575®

 

Present is Nicholas Hemond, Attorney for the applicant.  Also present are Norvel Ferguson and Claudia Castellanos, applicants.

 

Mr. Hemond states that Chef Norvel and his wife Claudia run the business.  They outgrew their last space on Main Street.  They need a larger kitchen.  It will be a family restaurant. They have done many events.

 

Ms. Castellanos states that she and Mr. Ferguson have been together for 16 years.  Mr. Ferguson is a formally trained chef.  They started out doing events.  He hired people from Woodlawn.  It’s a mom and pop venture.  He did reggae lunch and comedy night.

 

Attorney Hemond states that they hope for the Council’s support.  They are agreeable with limited hours.  They understand that the building needs improvements and will need investment.

 

 

Speaking in favor is Natee Tarawali, 27 Crescent Road, Pawtucket, RI.

 

Mr. Tarawali states that they did volunteer food service at Oakhill Nursing Home.

 

She states that she went to the restaurant and felt very comfortable because Norvel’s two kinds worked there. The food was tremendous; they had good prices.  It’s a family- based restaurant.   

 

She states that they need to have an opportunity.

 

 

Speaking in favor is Johan Forsnof, 30 Beecher Street, Pawtucket, RI.

 

He has been in the US for seven years.  He owns the largest soccer club in RI.  He loves the City’s diversity; he is comfortable at the family restaurant.

 

 

Speaking in favor is Leah Dorfman, 6 Laneway Court, Narragansett, RI.

 

Ms. Dorfman states that her husband is Jamaican; this was the best Jamaican food he found, he enjoyed Sunday brunch. He brought her 2-year-old son to the restaurant and she felt very comfortable; it’s a family environment, hospitable.

 

Councilor Wildenhain ask Mr. Ferguson if he intends to run a nightclub, Mr. Ferguson responds no.

 

 

Speaking in favor is Thelma Dennis, 43 Bloomingdale Avenue, Pawtucket, RI.

 

Ms. Dennis states that she worked for Caribbean Delights.  It’s a family establishment. She states that they did a lot for her and they are amazing people.

 

There are no other speakers.

 

The hearing is closed.

 

 

THE CHAIR RECOGNIZES COUNCILOR RUDD.

 

Upon motion made by Councilor Rudd, seconded by Councilors Mercer and Wildenhain, the following license is APPROVED, with the following STIPULATIONS on a roll call vote, as follows:

 

AYES – President Moran, Councilors Araujo, DaRosa, Mercer, Rudd, Schuette, Vasquez and Wildenhain.

 

NOES – 0.

 

 

CLASS B (Victualer) New -

 

Caribbean Delights (The Hummingbird Syndicate Inc.) 560 Mineral Spring Avenue, LIC#14575®

Stipulations.

1.      The hours will be Mondays thru Thursdays close by 10:00 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays close at 11:00 p.m. and Sundays 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

2.      No Entertainment – except on Sundays.

3.      Re-evaluate hours after being open for 90 days.

4.      May apply for one day entertainment licenses.

 

THE FOLLOWING APPLICATION WAS POSTPONED AT THE MEETING HELD APRIL 7, 2021, AND IS AGAIN TAKEN UP AND IS APPROVED ON A ROLL CALL VOTE, AS FOLLOWS:

 

VICTUALLING HOUSE 1^ST Class New -

 

Caribbean Delights (The Hummingbird Syndicate Inc.) 250 Main Street, LIC#14576

 

AYES – President Moran, Councilors Araujo, DaRosa, Mercer, Rudd, Schuette, Vasquez and Wildenhain.

 

NOES – 0.

 

 

 

THE FOLLOWING PETITION FOR LICENSE IS POSTPONED UNTIL MAY 5, 2021, ON A UNANIOUS VOICE VOTE:

 

VICTUALLING HOUSE First Class & HOLIDAY LICENSE New - with outdoor seating 

 

La Colmena Restaurant and Grocery (La Colmena, LLC) 341 Weeden Street, LIC#14588 #14589 (4 tables with 4 chairs each)

 

 

 

THE FOLLOWING PETITION FOR LICENSE WAS POSTPONED AT THE MEETING HELD APRIL 7, 2021, AND IS AGAIN TAKEN UP AND IS POSTPONED UNTIL MAY 19, 2021, ON A UNANIMOUS VOICE VOTE:

 

CLASS B (VICTUALLER) New –

 

El Rincon Costeno (Angieliz 605 Broadway LLC) 605 Broadway, LIC#14618®

(Prev. Broadways Bar & Kitchen)

 

 

 

THE FOLLOWING PETITION FOR LICENSE WAS POSTPONED AT THE MEETING HELD APRIL 7, 2021, AND IS AGAIN TAKEN UP AND IS POSTPONED UNTIL MAY 19, 2021, ON A UNANIMOUS VOICE VOTE:

 

 

VICTUALLING HOUSE 1^ST Class New -

 

El Rincon Costeno (Angieliz 605 Broadway LLC) 605 Broadway, LIC#14617

(Prev. Broadways Bar & Kitchen)

 

THE FOLLOWING PUBLIC HEARING WAS CONTINUED AND THE APPLICATION WAS POSTPONED AT THE MEETING HELD APRIL 7, 2021, AND IS AGAIN TAKEN UP:

 

CLASS B (VICTUALLER) Change of Name and Use –

 

Mangos Hookah Lounge (Princess Investments LLC) 17 Exchange Street, LIC#14600® (ent)

(change to Hookah Lounge - formerly Mangos)

 

There are no speakers.

 

The hearing is continued until May 5, 2021.

 

THE CHAIR RECOGNIZES COUNCILOR RUDD.

 

Upon motion made by Councilor Rudd, seconded by Councilor Wildenhain, the following public hearing is continued and the application is POSTPONED until May 5, 2021, on a unanimous voice vote:

 

CLASS B (VICTUALLER) Change of Name and Use –

 

Mangos Hookah Lounge (Princess Investments LLC) 17 Exchange Street, LIC#14600® (ent)

(change to Mangos Hookah Lounge - formerly Mangos)

 

 

A FORMAL HEARING ON THE FOLLOWING LICENSE IS TAKEN UP:

 

CLASS B (Victualer) -

 

Punto Final Hookah Bar & Lounge (Punto Final LLC) 31 Summer St. LIC#13623® #13625 (ent) 

 

Representing the City of Pawtucket is Frank J. Milos, Jr., Esq., City Solicitor.

 

Also present is Police Sergeant David Medeiros, who is sworn-in by City Clerk Richard Goldstein.

 

Sergeant Medeiros states that he was on duty, 3^rd shift, from 12:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m., on March 14, 2021.  Sergeant Medeiros and other officers were conducting a check of the liquor establishments in the downtown area, including Punto Final.

 

At 1:30 a.m. he could hear music playing.  He did not notice patrons leaving the area.  The door was locked. When he got inside, there were 40-50 patrons inside drinking and 2-3 hookahs being smoked.  Sergeant Medeiros stated that the patrons were making no effort to leave.  He spoke with the manger about closing.  After leaving for several minutes, no one had left and the door was locked again.  Hookahs were being used inside, which are prohibited indoors at this time.  Everyone was out between 1:30 a.m. – 1:40 a.m.

 

 

Speaking is Alex Peralta, 124 Perry Street, Central Falls, RI., who is sworn-in by City Clerk Richard Goldstein

 

Mr. Peralta states that he heads security at Punto Final.  There were no issues in four years.  The door was closed because there are issues with place across the street (Vibe Lounge).  Punto Final fits 38 people, not 40-50.  The owners used hookah after hours.  He stated that it is difficult to get people out, it takes time. The place was full.  They keep records for contact tracing.  It was not full at 1:30 a.m.  Drunks come over from other establishments.  He notes that they share parking with four businesses, patrons left through back.

 

Sergeant Medeiros said that Mr. Arias told him that he was the only manager there and had no security that night.

 

 

He states that there had been 40-50 people in there; no one wearing masks; people were sitting at the bar.

 

Mr. Milos states that Mr. Peralta’s testimony is hearsay, because he was not there.

 

Mr. Peralta states that Mr. Arias is the owner and he was there and Mr. Peralta also was there.

 

Mr. Milos notes that Punto Final should notify Clerk’s Office when there is a change in the corporation’s status.

 

There are no other speakers

 

The hearing is closed.

 

THE CHAIR RECOGNIZES COUNCILOR RUDD.

 

Upon motion made by Councilor Rudd, seconded by Councilor Wildenhain, the Council SUSPENDED THE LICENSE OF PUNTO FINAL HOOKAH BAR & LOUNGE FOR A PERIOD OF FOUR (4) DAYS, SPECIFICALLY THURSDAY, APRIL 22, 2021; FRIDAY, APRIL 23, 2021; SATURDAY, APRIL 24, 2021; AND SUNDAY, APRIL 25, 2021; AS WELL AS IMPOSED A FINE IN THE AMOUNT OF $1000.00 TO BE PAID WITHIN 30 DAYS; AND ADDED STIPULATIONS TO THE LICENSE FOR THE FOLLOWING REASONS:

 

1.      On or about March 14, 2021: Operating after hours. (Violation of R.I. Gen. Laws § 3-7-7, Pawtucket Ordinance § 108-18 and Rule 1.4.18 of the RI Department of Business Administration – Liquor Control Administration entitled “Hours of Business – Retail”).

 

2.      On or about March 14, 2021, use of Hookah Water Pipes by patrons within the licensed premises in violation of Section 7.4.1.(A)(11) of the Safe Regulations, which prohibits the use of hookah or waterpipes indoors, during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

 

on a roll call vote, as follows:

 

AYES – President Moran, Councilors Araujo, DaRosa, Mercer, Rudd, Schuette, Vasquez and Wildenhain.

 

NOES – 0.

 

 

THE FOLLOWING STIPULATIONS WERE ADDED:

 

1. No Hookah Allowed (To be reviewed when Safe Regulations from RI Department of Health allows Hookah inside again)
2. Police Detail Required on Thursday, Friday and Saturday Nights from 10:00 p.m. until 2:00 a.m. (To be reviewed in 30 days)

 

 

Upon motion made by Councilor Mercer, seconded by Councilor Wildenhain, the meeting is adjourned at 8:28 p.m.