Revere commission continues Ocean King liquor application, asks manager to obtain alcohol-service training

The Revere License Commission continued an application from Ocean King Inc., for an all-alcohol restaurant license at 320 Revere Beach Boulevard, requesting full-service hours and seating for 86, after commissioners asked the proposed manager to obtain formal alcohol-service training.

Applicant Jinbo Lin said he has 25 years of restaurant management experience and operates several restaurants in the Boston area. Phil Celeste, who said he would consult on the operation, said the venue will prioritize the restaurant and that the liquor service would expand options such as sake and mixed drinks to complement a sushi-focused menu.

Commissioners said they were not confident that the proposed on-site manager had demonstrated formal training in alcohol service and state license responsibilities. “For us to be able to confidently issue it… the person seeking the license should have that basic knowledge,” one commissioner said during the hearing and moved to continue the application to the next scheduled meeting so the manager could present proof of training, such as TIP certification.

The commission’s continuance does not prohibit the applicant from proceeding with construction or other non-alcohol licensing steps; commissioners clarified that the request concerned only the on-premises alcohol license and the manager’s certification. The application was continued to the commission’s next scheduled meeting on October 15, 2025, and the commission asked the applicant to return with documentation of the requested training.