FROED One Government Center Fall River, MA 02722-7700 Tel 508-324-2620 Fax 508-677-2840 info@froed.org		CITY ADDS 10 NEW LIQUOR LICENSES Restaurants must be in downtown/waterfront district to qualify The Herald News, Thursday, May 29, 2008 Fall River — Starting Tuesday, the Licensing Board plans to have an information packet for restaurants and eateries applying for 10 special new liquor licenses within a designated downtown/waterfront economic development zone. “I think this is a good thing. … Everyone is encouraged,” Licensing Board Chairman John Saulino said before his panel issued a series of 3-0 votes to approve the licenses designed to bolster economic activity. The availability means would-be restaurateurs won’t need to spend what Saulino said could be $30,000 or more for a liquor license if opening within the area Mayor Robert Correia has designated for economic revitalization. It spans the recently created arts overlay district and expanding further to Columbia Street, west of Pearl Street and south of Ferry Street to Bradford Avenue. Officials from the Fall River Office of Economic Development — board president Alan Amaral and Executive Vice President Kenneth Fiola, Jr. — said they’ve received a half dozen inquiries about the all-alcohol licenses. One of several inquiring was Paul Simister, who heads the Marine Museum on Water Street. He said he plans to expand banquet offerings this summer. “We’re very interested in one of those licenses, and want to know if we would be considered,” Simister said. While the museum has catered many events, he said they plan to set up the first floor for banquets, with the museum on the second floor. “I think if you turn that into a banquet facility with a restaurant, you have a better opportunity,” Saulino said. He said the city retains two seasonal liquor licenses, promoted somewhat unsuccessfully for warmer months. He said the new special licenses for eateries in this zone might make the two seasonal licenses appealing, suggesting Simister consider seeking one. While Correia sought this alcohol license expansion to dovetail with the arts overlay district and his proposed “restaurant row” closing South Main Street on summer weekends, the city recently learned 10 more licenses were available. The law department learned it could issue these on top of the 89 licenses already granted. With this process and designating an economic development zone controlled by the Licensing Board, these liquor licenses would revert to the board if the restaurant closed down. They will be restricted and cannot be sold, the board voted. Owners would still pay the $2,800 for annual renewal of a liquor license, with new filing fees of $156 to the city and $200 to the oversight Alcohol Beverage Control Commission, Saulino said. Amaral called awarding the licenses “another critical component” that provides incentives to investors. He said it emulates what Pittsfield did to bolster its downtown activity and adds vitality to the urban center. “It’s a means to increase additional private sector investment,” Fiola echoed. He predicted pedestrian activity would increase, other businesses would be helped and it would contribute to an improved quality of city life. Saulino, a lawyer and 13-year board member, called the offering “something positive for the city.” Fellow member Theresa Esposito, said, “I think it’s a great program.” In another matter, the Licensing Board closed a public hearing on Gary Lund’s petition for an adult entertainment license at 65 Manchester St. and postponed action until its next meeting. Back