Adams Local Licensing Authority Talks 2022 License Renewals
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| Selectman Richard Blanchard, left, and Town Administrator Jay Green discuss the status of licensees who have not completed inspections. |
ADAMS, Mass. — The Board of Selectmen's Local Licensing Authority Subcommittee has reviewed all licenses pending renewal in 2022, including alcohol licenses, entertainment licenses, auto sales licenses and lodging licenses.
The board discussed license renewals at its meeting on Monday, hoping that license holders are able to resolve any issues as soon as possible. Of the businesses reviewed, several had completed the necessary paperwork and were only waiting for certificates of inspection or license payments.
"I think in the past, we've approved their renewal on the condition that they pass their inspection," said Selectmen Vice Chairwoman Christine Hoyt.
The board extensively discussed the status of Mount Royal Inn, located at 99 Howland Ave. As of Wednesday, the inn had not submitted any paperwork or payments for their licenses, despite paying taxes.
"They pay their taxes, which allows us to issue the certificates and licenses that they need, yet they don't want to cooperate with our inspectional services team to inspect," said Town Administrator Jay Green.
Hoyt said the town sent Mount Royal Inn owners several letters informing them that they could lose their license if they did not comply with deadlines. The inn's license expires on Dec. 31.
"I would hope that it wouldn't come to shutting them down," she said. "But after chasing for this long, I have not a lot of faith that everything will be turned in in the amount of time that we have. I don't believe that they'll get their inspections done in a timely fashion."
Building Commissioner Gerald Garner and Board of Health Code Enforcement Officer Mark Blaisdell were present at the meeting to provide context about issues with licensees. Blaisdell said the Board of Health asked the owner of Mount Royal Inn to appear at its Dec. 15 meeting.
"The Board of Health is actively monitoring this situation," he said. "I had a conversation with [the owner] on Wednesday. And after speaking with Deb [Dunlap], he said it was all going to be taken care of this week."
Hoyt suggested Garner, Blaisdell, Police Chief K. Scott Kelly and Town Counsel Edmund St. John III discuss the matter further and plan for the possibility that Mount Royal Inn does not meet renewal requirements in time.
"I haven't spoken with town counsel, but I would presume that if they continue to operate [after losing their license], town counsel could file a cease and desist to the court," Blaisdell said.
Victory Lounge, located on 13 Victory St., was missing workman's compensation and liquor liability paperwork at the time of the meeting, in addition to needing an inspection. Hoyt said she recommends not renewing the lounge's licenses, assuming the necessary paperwork is not submitted.
Garner said the new owners of Victory Lounge, which has not been open for a year and a half, had inquired about conducting building renovations but had not provided the information necessary for his approval. The building is the former Polish National Alliance.
"I have not been in that building since last year when they first purchased it," he said.
Garner said he completed several inspections in the hours leading up to the meeting, with several more to happen in the days to come.
"It went real well today," he said. "We did most of these inspections in two days, and we were done. It went great. It was just a couple of places, that's it."
Red Carpet and The Grille did not renew any of their licenses, according to the board.
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