[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6709563,"mediaKeyId","5381927-f7cbdabdf5a68509bedc09ac914b4cd5","parentId",5381927,"title","Board of License Commissioners approves transfers, outdoor seating and several new/renewal licenses; several petitions continued or withdrawn","audioSeconds",954,"startMs",1904000,"endMs",2858000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5381927-f7cbdabdf5a68509bedc09ac914b4cd5&start=1904&end=2858","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5381927-f7cbdabdf5a68509bedc09ac914b4cd5/thumbnail_1904000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6709563/Pawtucket/Providence-County/Rhode-Island/Board-of-License-Commissioners-approves-transfers-outdoor-seating-and-several-newrenewal-licenses-several-petitions-continued-or-withdrawn","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6709563-09f1366411836437d6449726a1f38e42/orig.mp4?Expires=1770415733&Signature=M1MLtPYIjy1zqgP1mvhvXYR7VVD0~njB7pfxrxwT9szX9xe4LZ-HghmZsDqIgUNm2IquxqnT-bQ8MqP11tnYNneh9fbtN~f7Vk0NMybLQG~7TayknVPcMP5g5X~G2yVK9JXmrOn4seybeCxyZHz4b5mGTbk6wME6hh9w6U8p-HRJgqhNkEuVx7DZE9-xCi-mRTEx9FYlwbv6YYd0DA5eLWppxbKE~Waql1bUMoWW9VFr-8xIyJv8a46hfS1VNwt8IxLfnqhhA9N-RCKZNyBeFDcqN1vtOH8zSxF65PAhaHy7JjkuxqGBR54WAMieKI17j-dTHhNd9lLa-VDOTgRbMQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Pawtucket","date","2025-07-14T14:17:29Z","article","The Pawtucket Board of License Commissioners took up a batch of licensing matters Wednesday evening, approving several transfers and license requests while continuing or deferring others after public comment.

The board handled consent items — including a fourth-of-July fireworks license at Centerville Bank Stadium and routine renewals — before proceeding through advertised public hearings and petitions.

Tattoo-studio transfer: The board convened and approved a public hearing to transfer a tattoo license for Sacred Traditions Tattoo LLC from 500 Armistice Boulevard to 200 Main Street, Suite 4. Applicant Victoria Loring told the board the operation will not add cosmetic tattooing; Councilor Constance Kodier confirmed equipment and procedures would remain the same. A motion to approve the transfer carried on a voice vote.

Outdoor seating requests: Two restaurants asked to add outdoor seating and received approvals with conditions. Tugas Restaurant and Catering (110 Mineral Spring Ave.) requested six outdoor tables behind the restaurant; applicant Ana/Anna Santos said hours would be 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., no music and seating in a parking-lot rear area. Following neighbor support and Councilor Kodier’s questions, the board approved the expansion.

Classic Cuisine (formerly La Esquina Colombiana), 266 Grand Ave., received approval for a class B victualer license with outdoor seating under the stipulations carried over from the prior tenant: a maximum of four tables (two on Grand Ave., two on Suffolk Ave.), two chairs per table, and outdoor service ending by 8 p.m. The board also set operating hours of 11 a.m. to midnight with last call and in-door ambient music ending at 11:45 p.m.; takeout may continue until 1 a.m.

Pollo Royale (214 Columbus Ave.): The board approved a transfer of a class B victualer license to Ortiz Corporation (Pollo Royale) and an associated first-class liquor license. Attorney Nicholas Hemond presented the Ortez family’s proposal (their seventh location overall) and confirmed there would be no drive-through at the site. The board approved the transfer with a starting condition of an 11 p.m. closing time and outdoor seating to be wrapped up by 10 p.m.

Liquor-license transfers and withdrawals: A contested transfer of a Class A liquor license involving RJ's Liquors (proposed transfer from 400 Broadway to 274 Broadway) was withdrawn by the applicant and the board subsequently voted to postpone/indefinitely postpone at the applicant’s request; several written objections were filed and received into the record prior to the withdrawal.

Amber Hookah Lounge: The board convened a public hearing for Amber Hookah Lounge (590 Newport Ave.). Applicants appeared, but councilors and neighbors raised concerns about parking, ventilation, anticipated hours, and residential proximity. After extended questioning about staffing, menu, ventilation/smoke control and parking operations (including a proposed valet arrangement), the board continued the public hearing to July 9 to allow the councilor and applicant to meet and for staff to follow up with fire and police on outstanding items.

Procedure and votes: Most items were approved by voice votes after applicant testimony and brief councilor questions. Several contested or high-traffic items were either continued to provide time for additional review or withdrawn by applicants.

Why this matters: License approvals and transfers directly shape which businesses can operate and with what conditions in Pawtucket neighborhoods. The board included conditions on hours and outdoor service in several approvals, reflecting neighborhood concerns about noise, parking and public safety.

Votes at a glance (selected items):
- Sacred Traditions Tattoo (TAT-25-2): Transfer approved (transfer from 500 Armistice Blvd. to 200 Main St., Suite 4) — motion approved (voice vote).
- Tugas Restaurant & Catering (LQB-24-22): Expansion to include outdoor seating (six tables, 4–9 p.m., no music) — approved (voice vote).
- Pollo Royale / Ortiz Corporation (LQB-25-3): Transfer of class B victualer license and first-class liquor license — approved with 11 p.m. closing and 10 p.m. wrap-up of outdoor seating (voice vote).
- Classic Cuisine (LQB-25-2): Class B victualer with outdoor seating approved with prior stipulations and operating hours set (voice vote).
- RJ's Liquors (Class A transfer LQA-25-1): Applicant withdrew; item postponed/indefinitely postponed at applicant request.
- Amber Hookah Lounge (LQB-25-4): Public hearing continued to July 9 for follow-up on parking, ventilation and staffing.

The board clerk will publish formal minutes and the license documents; the continued items are set for the board’s next scheduled meeting on July 9.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Pawtucket City Council 06-25-2025","oneSentenceSummary","At a joint meeting, Pawtucket's Board of License Commissioners acted on multiple petitions: it approved a tattoo-studio transfer, granted outdoor seating to two restaurants, approved a transfer and liquor/victual licenses for Pollo Royale with evening-hour limits, and continued or postponed contested items including the Amber Hookah Lounge matter.","taxTitle","Pawtucket, Providence County, Rhode Island","taxId",76478,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6709568,"Committee recommends higher penalties and reinspection fees for zoning, code-enforcement permits",363,325000,688000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5381927-f7cbdabdf5a68509bedc09ac914b4cd5&start=325&end=688","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5381927-f7cbdabdf5a68509bedc09ac914b4cd5/thumbnail_325000.jpg","/articles/6709568/Pawtucket/Providence-County/Rhode-Island/Committee-recommends-higher-penalties-and-reinspection-fees-for-zoning-code-enforcement-permits","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6709568-27a17cd44abeb2eed9b70441e6310374/orig.mp4?Expires=1770415733&Signature=BRV9KnsNdjmaA~IovhPL0fnCZF3Y-9-upYztC8XtHvdEvS8FcArZyIinX98T69aWii9ezqCkXfee9WHlKE3JzpRm-ED2GxFDOrJ0GkrxTJ8BNUTaDOTOTObX6xleAHa0g0a7dlCiGCi752QY6vy9VBTaFQBnlJi7dim2jVIr09zLl7Hmtsz2jsFl8uJsCpXRlwk7NlzmlOC37aQp23QdOLuu89kFNhrtKuzO4kuFTup2meox~XaxTWBjTHE1oyYulw~66EKQv61dKWzHRKTY6GAZmAuwfVGNWfwelXW0jDGVSba8sduJT7TXL-llPe6m8-qdPLvLZOGbv3Ysy1y6Sw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Pawtucket Finance Committee recommended first passage Wednesday for an ordinance amending Chapter 202 of the city code, which sets fees for the zoning, code enforcement and planning departments.

City staff told the committee the chapter had not been updated since about 2010 and that the redraft cleans up outdated language, removes state-controlled fee lines and proposes several new enforcement-oriented charges. The director presenting the proposal said the goal is to deter contractors from doing work without permits and to recoup inspection costs when repeated reinspections are needed.

Among the changes discussed: the current nominal fine for work without a permit would be supplemented by a proposed enforcement range with a minimum fine (described at the hearing as $250) and the ability for a court to levy up to two times the permit fee for repeat offenders. The ordinance also proposes a reinspection fee structure: the first reinspection would remain free, with a $50 charge for subsequent reinspections. Those amounts were presented as tools to encourage compliance and to give municipal court judges discretion based on seriousness and compliance.

The director also proposed raising the fee charged to applicants who come before the zoning board of appeals. Committee members acknowledged published application fees in other communities often cover advertising, stenography and mailings; Pawtucket's fee was described as low in comparison. (Staff presented a proposed increase during the hearing.)

Committee members pressed on enforcement: Councilor Moran said the city must follow through on the higher fines and reinspection charges, not merely post them. \"If the administration turns around and says that we need this as a stick and turn around and slap somebody's hands, then let's make sure we use the stick,\" Moran said. The director said the proposed fee structure was designed to give judges and staff options to bring compliance cases to court.

After discussion, the committee moved and seconded a recommendation to forward the ordinance to the full council; the committee recommendation passed 3–0.

Why this matters: The changes are framed as enforcement tools intended to protect public safety by ensuring work is done to code and inspected properly. The proposed reinspection charges and elevated penalties are meant to reduce repeat noncompliance and to recover municipal inspection costs.

Committee vote: Motion to recommend passage — moved by Councilor Moran, seconded by Councilor Rubio; committee recommendation adopted 3–0.","The finance committee forwarded an ordinance updating Chapter 202 (fees charged by zoning, code enforcement and planning), including new reinspection charges and higher penalties for contractors working without permits; committee members stressed enforcement will be needed to make the changes effective.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6709573,"Finance committee forwards package of licensing fee updates to full council",146,149000,295000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5381927-f7cbdabdf5a68509bedc09ac914b4cd5&start=149&end=295","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5381927-f7cbdabdf5a68509bedc09ac914b4cd5/thumbnail_149000.jpg","/articles/6709573/Pawtucket/Providence-County/Rhode-Island/Finance-committee-forwards-package-of-licensing-fee-updates-to-full-council","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6709573-7a7a167cea41c19a73f44ed0ad9a322f/orig.mp4?Expires=1770415733&Signature=PJ96M-wtJN3ussYjrahIS1P35kMyha5sbboB1dgHi7~qGg0UOePD5~wfRDffDc9gUlje27Ycn6iDB4bYLKi~KdmtLKL6tEZmFi8VyyWmtDW0rOrnhx493ErkMVUYeLQoSqej9kH3u2srWusSwNHWIZEa7uKagBxRhyHsKL4PkO9EYnJKLdeVBzYgvSAhMZqfZFoTRpjTq0p~3Ou4yHjh~okaw0OZM10Vx91HNcNLMWK2BYVzaxzTSMx67Smqg82t4EFgVmKY474Fw4ilOj0Nf~NaYmbHkiJ3S5q8kpFVflCAbGdFqp7YGiAhlppO9HRuBNlcflFMOBr5JWATasv2rQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Pawtucket Finance Committee recommended first passage Wednesday of an ordinance that would amend six chapters of the city code to update various license fees, sending the measure to the full City Council for final action.

The committee vote took up an ordinance amending chapters 108, 112, 193, 251, 260 and 302 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Pawtucket (1996) to revise fee schedules for several license categories. Committee members said many of the fees had not been updated in years and that the proposed changes were measured rather than drastic.

Chairman Wilberhane opened discussion by noting the ordinance package had not been updated in many years. \"They haven't been changed since 02/2003,\" he said. Councilor Rubio, who moved to take up the measure, and Councilor Moran, who seconded the motion, said staff compared local caps with other cities and towns when setting proposed new levels.

Committee members described the increases as modest in most cases. \"I still have for the most part, I think the max increase is, like, a $150 on some of the license fees,\" one member said, adding the committee chose not to push every fee to the statutory maximum. The committee also chose not to raise fees for private clubs, citing concern that clubs were \"suffering to get members\" and that increasing their fees would not be beneficial.

The ordinance package includes increases to entertainment and billiard-house-related fees; committee members noted the billiard-house license was raised to $1,800 under the proposal and that the group deliberately did not maximize some caps. Committee discussion emphasized the need to balance revenue with the economic burdens on small operators.

After discussion, Councilor Rubio moved and Councilor Moran seconded a motion recommending passage and forwarding the ordinance to the full council; the committee approved the recommendation 3–0.

The ordinance will be scheduled for first passage before the full City Council. The committee record shows the recommendation was unanimous; the full council will vote at a subsequent meeting.

Why this matters: The proposal touches multiple licensing categories that affect local businesses and event organizers. Updating long-dormant fees can affect city revenue projections, but committee members said they aimed to keep increases modest and to preserve relief where local businesses remain fragile.

Votes at committee: Motion to recommend passage — moved by Councilor Rubio, seconded by Councilor Moran; committee recommendation adopted 3–0.

What’s next: The measure goes to the full City Council for first passage; if approved there it will return for second passage and adoption per the city's ordinance process.","The Pawtucket finance committee recommended first passage of an ordinance amending multiple code chapters to update various license fees, with committee members saying increases were modest and some categories (notably private clubs) were left unchanged to avoid burdening struggling operators.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6709558,"Council presses for fuller police reports after Aloha events; approves limited one-day outdoor expansion with strict conditions",3332,3549000,6881000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5381927-f7cbdabdf5a68509bedc09ac914b4cd5&start=3549&end=6881","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5381927-f7cbdabdf5a68509bedc09ac914b4cd5/thumbnail_3549000.jpg","/articles/6709558/Pawtucket/Providence-County/Rhode-Island/Council-presses-for-fuller-police-reports-after-Aloha-events-approves-limited-one-day-outdoor-expansion-with-strict-conditions","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6709558-b0cc9cf1ae595dd7219e85a3a9accdbe/orig.mp4?Expires=1770415733&Signature=Qhq5bqfTJhOTNtc3e3RWulN0p6Y3k2COyxIm6yQZ~~8VhG7EXUxgsgR7UC90iPBw~srEiBk~9S2P1VAFskDFTyVO4J45xVPle0ry7uvlKWc30JG2KH4RHWn0WYmASN0XMsJoB1uT-kV0uaIKP-XGi7B3JYwmS9K7tzV0NcNQ3wqd0nFQV4FvYj8c4R5xDEKDrT5VEUvokCAZt5Cl1DyPIBYT~d9Uft1tFsHpfsNu9h0c55XGRUQMVxHF1JTH2clkizixihH9Uzp1yjgNPsAr3mPX7VFHwX96~1B44SgKVXkLm~~6uYFQdX4VdIQLAfyWH4pNCoDY8aRwYvAZ4wFvIQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City Councilors raised concerns Wednesday about the completeness of a police report related to Aloha Restaurant Lounge at 904 Main Street and approved a restricted one-day outdoor expansion after the applicant narrowed the scope of the request.

Councilor Gregor said he had requested a broad set of police narratives for events at Aloha and that the report provided by Captain Dino Giorgio did not include the full aggregate of calls and responses the council sought. \"I consider this to be an incomplete report,\" Gregor said, noting he had been told of multiple incidents and that some calls had resulted in arrests. Council members asked the police to compile the full set of narratives covering the period cited by councilors and to supply any additional records.

Separately, Aloha applied for a one-day expansion for an I Love Sao Vicente event on Saturday, July 5 (3 p.m.–9 p.m.). The applicant, Mr. Lopez, amended his proposal during the hearing, saying large events had been moved to an alternate venue and that the remaining request was limited to a small patio gathering. The council and the applicant agreed to narrowed conditions: no DJs or stage, ambient music only, no outside capacity on the patio to exceed 40 people, one speaker rather than amplified DJ setups, and hours limited to 3–9 p.m. Councilor Gregor asked that the police stop by during the event and submit a brief follow-up report to the clerk on what was observed.

Councilor Gregor said he remained concerned about past policing responses and asked for a full set of narratives covering the timeframe cited at earlier discussions. The council also instructed staff to ask the police department to run checks and to make an on-site visit during the event. If the expanded event exceeds the conditions approved, councilors warned the applicant it should not expect future approvals.

The motion approving the limited outdoor expansion included the direction that police be asked to visit and submit a short report on the event. The council approved the conditioned permit by voice vote.

Why this matters: Councilors framed the discussion as both a public-safety and neighborhood quality-of-life issue. They emphasized the need for complete records when evaluating whether licensed establishments are meeting requirements and following conditions attached to past approvals.

Key conditions approved for the Aloha July 5 expansion: ambient music only (no DJs/stage), outside attendance not to exceed 40 people, hours 3 p.m.–9 p.m., and police to check the event and submit a post-event report to the clerk.","City councilors said an initial Pawtucket Police report about Aloha Restaurant Lounge did not cover the full set of calls and incidents the council requested. Councilors accepted a narrowed, conditioned one-day expansion for July 5 — limiting outside attendance to 40, ambient music only and requesting police follow-up and a post-event report.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Board of License Commissioners approves transfers, outdoor seating and several new/renewal licenses; several petitions continued or withdrawn

Committee recommends higher penalties and reinspection fees for zoning, code-enforcement permits

Finance committee forwards package of licensing fee updates to full council

Council presses for fuller police reports after Aloha events; approves limited one-day outdoor expansion with strict conditions