Taunton board approves New Year's Eve entertainment and several liquor license renewals

The Taunton City License Commission convened on December 11, 2024, with all commissioners present to address several key agenda items, including the approval of minutes, live entertainment regulations for New Year's Eve, and the renewal of various licenses for 2025.

The meeting commenced with a motion to accept the minutes from the previous meeting held on November 20, 2024. The motion was seconded, and with no further discussion, the minutes were unanimously approved.

Next, the commission discussed a request for live entertainment on New Year's Eve, scheduled from 8 PM to 1 AM. Concerns were raised regarding the timing of the entertainment in relation to the liquor license. It was clarified that while the entertainment could continue until 1 AM, the music would need to stop by 12:30 AM to ensure all patrons exited by 1 AM. A motion was made to approve this condition, which was seconded and passed unanimously.

The commission then reviewed a request from Applause Academy, Inc., doing business as Top Performing Arts, for a waiver of police detail for their upcoming events. After confirming there were no concerns regarding the audience type, the motion to grant the waiver was seconded and approved without further discussion.

Following this, the commission moved on to the 2025 license renewals. The process began with a discussion of specific exceptions. The first renewal considered was for Deep Pond Farm and Stable, which was approved contingent upon successful building and fire inspections. This was followed by similar motions for Barbecue Integrated Inc., DBA Smokey Bones Barbecue and Fire Grill, and Gorilla, both also contingent on inspections.

A notable discussion arose regarding The National, which had been closed for most of the year following the passing of its previous owner, David Groves. The new representative, Christopher Coyle, requested additional time to complete the renewal process due to the unique circumstances surrounding the establishment's closure and the lack of liquor liability coverage. The commission agreed to approve the renewal request, contingent upon the completion of necessary documentation.

The meeting concluded with a clear progression through the agenda, with all motions passing smoothly and no significant opposition noted. The commission's next steps will involve monitoring the completion of the renewal processes and ensuring compliance with the conditions set forth during the meeting.