Emergency informational virtual hearing on beer gardens and large extensions

Hearing regarding licensees operating on special one-day licenses and licensees with temporary extensions with a significant capacity

You are hereby notified that the Licensing Board for the City of the Boston (the “Board”) will conduct a virtual emergency informational hearing regarding all establishments operating on a series of Special One Day Licenses (commonly referred to as beer gardens) and those operating on a temporary extension with a significant capacity  (the “Licensees”) on August 13, 2020 at 12:00 pm  (the “Emergency Informational Hearing”). 

The Emergency Informational Hearing is being held to address the numerous complaints received by the Board and the Inspectional Services Department (“ISD”) regarding the operations of Licensees.

Join the Zoom meeting link

Meeting ID: 831 0734 3407; Passcode: 842900; Dial-in number: 646-876-9923

The emergency informational hearing is mandatory. Any licensee failing to attend will be subject to the immediate revocation of any special one day license or temporary extension onto outdoor space granted by the board and potential additional disciplinary action regarding any license issued by the Board or ISD.

Complaints received by the Board and ISD include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Failure to adhere to the guidance issued by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts regarding social distancing and mandatory operational requirements and the Board’s various advisories regarding the same;
• Failure to properly monitor patrons waiting in line for admission to the premise; and
• Failure to adhere to City, state, and federal laws, codes, and ordinances regarding tobacco use and the presence of animals in food service establishments including outdoor patios.

The Emergency Informational Hearing will be held pursuant to M.G.L. ch. 30, s. 20, M.G.L. ch. 138, s. 12, 14, 15, 23, 34, and 77, M.G.L. ch. 140 s. 2, 9, and 177 and Governor Charles Baker’s executive order issued March 22, 2020, temporarily modifying certain requirements of the Open Meeting Law (M.G.L. ch. 30A s. 20) due to the ongoing public health crisis related to Covid-19 (coronavirus).

Please contact the Board at 617-635-4170 or licensingboard@boston.gov with any questions.