MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CUMBERLAND BOARD OF LICENSE COMMISSIONERS

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2024 at 7:30 P.M.

 CUMBERLAND TOWN HALL, EVERETT “MOE” BONNER, JR. COUNCIL CHAMBERS

45 BROAD STREET, CUMBERLAND, RHODE ISLAND

 

CALL TO ORDER

The meeting was called to order at 7:31 p.m.

Present: Chairman Robert G. Shaw, Jr.; Vice-Chair Commissioner Lisa A. Beaulieu; Commissioners at Large, Michael L. Kinch and Peter J. Bradley; Commissioners James K. Metivier and Jodi C. Sweet.

ACCEPTANCE OF PREVIOUS MINUTES

 A.  Acceptance of Minutes of the regular meeting of November 20, 2024.

 

MOTION MADE BY COMMISSIONER KINCH, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER MAGILL, IT IS VOTED UNANIMOUSLY TO APPROVE THE ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES.  VOTE 7/0.

 

NEW BUSINESS

     A.  CLASS A LICENSE – PRESENTATION & PERMISSION TO ADVERTISE     

1.  A transfer application for a Class A from CWS Operating Co. Inc. d/b/a Mendon Wine & More to JJT Inc. d/b/a Mendon Wine and More, 2170 Mendon Road.

 

     B.  COMMUNICATIONS

           1.  Pending 2024-2025 Liquor License Renewals; possible vote.

 

Commissioner Shaw stated that there are ten businesses that were renewed as of December 1, 2024, but have outstanding items that are prohibiting the renewal of their licenses and are currently doing business without a license. Commissioner Shaw explained he would like to present a plan to extend these renewals for thirty days, to keep these businesses open for the Holidays. Commissioner Shaw categorized three businesses that need more than Fire Inspections and would recommend that these businesses be closed, removing their liquor until further notice. Commissioner Shaw explained that seven businesses will be given an opportunity to sign an affidavit regarding town liability, allowing these businesses time to get their affairs in order. Commissioner Shaw also stated that the three businesses that are being closed will also have the same opportunity to sign an affidavit regarding town liability once they have completed Fire Inspections.

 

Vice-Commissioner Beaulieu spoke about communication being sent to these businesses making it clear that this is a one-time situation and next year these affairs must be in order prior to renewals.

 

Commissioner Magill asked about the portal and questioned if all applications were sent and processed through the portal.

 

Commissioner Metivier asked if these three businesses were notified. Commissioner Metivier asked to grant an extension to these businesses. Commissioner Metivier also stated that he had not recalled in the past businesses being shut down.

 

Chairman Shaw stated these Business Licenses expired December 1, 2024. Chairman Shaw also replied that businesses have been shut down in the past, the Modern Bistro, and the Mexican Place which is now Pat’s Italian. Chairman Shaw also stated if this is what it takes to install new habits than yeah.

 

Vice-Chairwoman Beaulieu asked if these businesses will be sent communication and notice that they are not licensed to operate.

 

Commissioner Kinch mentioned that once these businesses get their documents in order they will not have to come back before the Council for approval.

 

Chairman Shaw stated these licenses have already been approved pending these documents. 

 

Vice-Chairwoman Beaulieu also questioned the American Legion the Fire Inspection pending on December 3, 2024 and the Davenports Fire Inspection, tentative December 5, 2024.

 

Chairman Shaw stated that each business had received a list of discrepancies, which are not of any public safety concern.  Chairman Shaw requested a motion to grant three businesses a deadline of December 9, 2024 to comply with the submission of the requested documents, there after the signatures of affidavit pertaining to liability pending the Fire Inspection.

 

MOTION MADE BY COMMISSIONER KINCH, SECONDED BY VICE-COMMISSIONER BEAULIEU, IT IS VOTED UNANIMOUSLY TO GRANT THREE FOREGOING BUSINESSES A DEADLINE OF DECEMBER 9, 2024 FOR THE SUBMISSION OF THE PROPER DOCUMENTS AS REQUESTED, AND THERAFTER COMPLIANCE OF DOCUMENTS A SIGNATURE OF AFFIDAVIT REGARDING LIABILITY PENDING FIRE INSPECTION. VOTE 7/0.

 

MOTION MADE BY VICE-COMISSIONER BEAULIEU, SECONDED COMMISSIONER MAGILL, IT IS VOTED UNANIMOUSLY TO EXTEND THE FOREGOING SEVEN BUSINESS GRANTING AN EXTENSION FOR AN ADDITIONAL THIRTY DAYS, PENDING SIGNATURE OF AFFIDAVIT REGARDING LIABILITY AND FIRE INSEPCTION. VOTE 7/0.

 

 

PUBLIC COMMENTS

Hearing None

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

MOTION MADE BY VICE-COMMISSIONER BEAULIEU, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER KINCH, IT IS VOTED TO UNANIMOUSLY ADJOURN AT 7:53 O’CLOCK P.M.  VOTE 7/0.

 

 

 

 

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