US: Springfield License Commission renews 158 liquor licenses

Link:http://www.masslive.com/springfield/republican/index.ssf?/base/news-18/1228211606280960.xml&coll=1
By MIKE PLAISANCE
SPRINGFIELD - The License Commission Monday voted 5-0 to renew liquor licenses for 158 bars, restaurants and package stores for 2009.

But the cases of another 48 licensees had to be continued to a Dec. 18 meeting because they failed to meet the same conditions that license holders face every year, commission Chairman Peter L. Sygnator said at City Hall.

The city has about 200 liquor-license holders.

"It's disappointing that they all don't (comply)," Sygnator said.

"The instruction page is pretty easy to follow, and they do it every year, same instructions every year. Your livelihood depends on this. Can't you get your Workers Compensation certificate from your insurance company?" Sygnator said.

Besides failing to provide Workers Compensation affidavits, other establishments had their license renewal delayed because of failure to pay taxes or get annual building code and fire inspections.

"And I expect that 99 percent of these will be resolved by the 18th," Sygnator said.

After the commission considers renewal applications on Dec. 18, it is up to the license holder to get paperwork to Boston for the state Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission to confirm by Dec. 31.

It took Sygnator 10 minutes to read the names of the 158 businesses owners who had complied with renewal application guidelines.

Joining Sygnator in approving the renewals were board members Melvin L. McLaurin, Juan A. Rivera, Mary Jenewin-Caplin and Robert G. Casey.

Among the establishments whose liquor licenses were renewed were the Alumni Club, 51-57 Taylor St.; China Gourmet, 1374 Allen St.; Christopher's Package Store, 2803 Main St.; Cozy Cafe, 666 State St.; Fifth Alarm Inc., 775 Worthington St.; Italian American Citizens Club, 123 Colton St., and Theodore's, 201-205 Worthington St.

Among the establishments whose liquor-license renewals were continued were American Legion Post 277, 379 Oak St.; Cabaret, 32 Hancock St.; Liberty Package Store, 747 Carew St.; Snookers, 1791 Boston Road; The Keg Room, 87 State St., and Tung Hai Restaurant, 1301 Liberty St.