The Springfield Board of License Commissioners voted on Feb. 26 to approve an all-alcoholic beverages license for Danny and Billy LLC, doing business as Stonewall Tavern, at 1716 Main Street, naming William Harvey as manager of record and permitting hours of operation from 11:30 a.m. to 2 a.m.

The commission discussed tenants’ experience, the lease with Amtrak and planned renovations. Attorney John Libel, representing the petitioners, told the commission the principals had extensive experience and had secured a lease with Amtrak after a lengthy review. “They’re gonna put a rather substantial investment,” Libel said, describing a near-gut renovation of the space. William Harvey said the business would employ two bartenders (one day shift, one night) and that he expected to be on-site at least 40 hours per week.

The commission noted neighborhood council concerns about the proposed 2 a.m. closing. Libel said the planning board had no objection to the 2 a.m. closing given the location. Commissioners emphasized the requirement that the manager of record accept responsibility for the premises and that the commission be kept informed of renovation progress. Commissioner Ramirez said the licensee should alert the license office if renovations extended beyond the timeline discussed; commissioners earlier described an expected renovation timeline of roughly six to eight weeks, while the applicants said they expected work to take about one to two months.

A motion to approve the license as presented passed with recorded votes in the affirmative by Commissioners Cade, Ramirez and Espinosa.

The commissioners asked the applicants to update the office if renovations take longer than projected so the commission can track progress and revisit the license if necessary.

The commission adjourned the Stonewall Tavern portion of the hearing after the vote.