License Commission in brief

The License Commission summoned Absolutely Asia and Sakura Japanese Restaurant to appear in front of the commission due to their absence from the Oct. 15 annual licensee meeting as well as the Oct. 22 commission meeting. Commissioner Wayne Brasco explained to both parties that if they failed to appear at the annual meeting next year, their license would be suspended.

Additionally, the commission presented two preapproved one-day all alcohol permits. Preapproved permits are permits submitted at the last minute that the commission votes on over the phone. The preapproved permits included a one-day all alcohol permit for an event at Gann Academy on Nov. 16 and a Bentley University hockey game on Nov. 15.

In other business, the License Commission approved:

• A request for a one-day all alcohol permit from Bentley University for their Annual Hockey Club Celebration Game from 12:15 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. on Nov. 23.
• An application for a change of manager for the Courtyard by Marriott on Winter Street to new manager Jahayra Santiago. Santiago has worked at the hotel for over 20 years.
• An application for a transfer of a seven-day all alcohol restaurant license, common victualer, change of manager and entertainment permit for Joco’s Bar and Kitchen. The new owner Jace Varden is the previous owner’s brother-in-law and has worked in food service for over 20 years. Varden hopes to “uplift the food program” at the restaurant, focusing on improving business in the early evening as well as hopefully expanding to serve lunch seven days a week. Commissioner Kevin Ritcey asked Varden to be considerate of the tenants that live above the restaurant in respect to noise levels in the restaurant.
• The License Commission meeting schedule for the 2026 calendar year.
• Requests from 28 restaurants to extend their hours on New Year’s Eve until 2 a.m. on New Year’s Day.