MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETING OF THE

CUMBERLAND BOARD OF LICENSE COMMISSIONERS

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4, 2026 at 7:30 P.M.

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

45 BROAD STREET, CUMBERLAND, RHODE ISLAND

 

 

CALL TO ORDER

Chairman Shaw called the meeting to order at 7:30 PM.

All commissioners were present, with Commissioner Magill joining shortly after the meeting began.

 

ACCEPTANCE OF PREVIOUS MINUTES

A.    Acceptance of Minutes of the regular meeting of February 18, 2026.

 

MOTION BY COMMISSIONER KINCH, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER METIVIER AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE.  VOTE 6/0.

Councilor Magill was not present during the vote.

OLD BUSINESS

A.    CLASS BNT LIMITED LICENSE – PUBLIC HEARING

1.   An application for a limited Class BNT (non-transferable) license from Upper Deck Baseball Academy LLC located at 75 John C. Dean Memorial Boulevard. (tabled from the February 18, 2026)

The public hearing opened at 7:31 p.m. 

The Chair explained that this license was pending insurance certificate, permit to make sales at retail, tip certification, serve safe, department of health, fire, and building approvals, and a letter of good standing if approved.

Mr. Dean, the applicant, was present. The Chair noted that this application had been tabled from February 18th after discussion about the BNT, and that the town clerk had contacted Mr. Dean regarding how to present the application as a BNT with restrictions to only beer and wine. The Chair clarified that while it would be limited to beer and wine, it would still fall under BNT license requirements and would have to meet all BNT criteria, including food service and kitchen requirements.

Mr. Dean confirmed this understanding and asked about the possibility of upgrading to a full liquor license in 2-3 years if there was demand.

The Chair explained that since it's a non-transferable license, he would have to forego the old license and apply for the full license.  He noted that an updated menu and diagram of the service area and kitchen location had been submitted as part of the packet and uploaded that day.  When asked if anyone in the audience wished to speak in favor or against the license, no one came forward to speak.

The public hearing closed at 7:34 p.m.

Commissioner Beaulieu commented that given the business caters predominantly to youth and young adults, she didn't think it was right to support a BNT license and would be voting in opposition.

The Chair echoed similar sentiment from the previous meeting, stating his belief that this type of license doesn't exist elsewhere in the state. While understanding the desire to make parents feel comfortable, he suggested there were other options like BYOB. He expressed that he was not in favor of the license and would be voting no.

Commissioner Metivier interjected, noting that there are similar establishments in the state like bowling alleys, Chuck E. Cheese, Dave and Buster's, and a place in Lincoln that serve alcohol where kids are present.

The Chair acknowledged this but distinguished those as entertainment places rather than training facilities, which was how this facility had been characterized.

MOTION BY COMMISSIONER METIVIER, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER BRADLEY AND IT IS VOTED TO APPROVE.  VOTE 5/2.

Nay Votes: Chair Shaw and Councilor Beaulieu

The Chair congratulated the applicant and instructed him to present all necessary documents to the town clerk to receive the license.

Mr. Dean indicated he expected construction to be completed by June 1st.

The Chair noted that the corresponding victualing house license of the license didn't make it onto tonight's regular town council agenda and will be addressed at the March 18^th town council meeting.

NEW BUSINESS

A.    CLASS A LIQUOR LICENSE – PUBLIC HEARING

1.      An application for a Class A license stock transfer from Shubhlakshmi Corporation dba Paul’s Fine Wine and Spirits, 132 Mendon Road.

The public hearing opened at 7:38 PM

The Chair noted that this application is pending a letter of good standing if approved.

The applicant, Nayan Patel of Old Mendon Road in Cumberland, explained that his wife was selling her 50 percent share to him, making him 100 percent owner of the business.

No one in the audience wished to speak in favor or against the license transfer.

The public hearing closed at 7:39 PM.

MOTION BY COMMISSIONER BEAULIEU, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER KINCH AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE.  VOTE 7/0.

The Chair informed the applicant that the license would be issued once the letter of good standing was obtained.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

 

ADJOURNMENT 

MOTION BY COMMISSIONER KINCH, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER MAGILL AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO ADJOURN AT 7:39 P.M. VOTE 7/0.