Council Approves Spirit Room Liquor License Despite Accessibility Objections

The Common Council approved an application for an original Class B liquor and beer license for Spirit Room, proposed by Jeff Heller for 1323 Broadway Street, Room 110, for the remainder of the license period ending June 30.

The approval drew objections from Councilor Fizel, who said she pulled the item to raise concerns about licensing non‑accessible facilities. “My reason for pulling this is because I'd like to take the opportunity to voice my objection to, the city granting any license to a non accessible facility,” Fizel said. She added: “I know we have no legal grounds to disapproving this license, so I'm sure we'll go ahead and be approved. But I wish there were some way we could avoid… giving permission to facilities that do not allow my friends to enter and participate in their activities.”

Councilor Brown spoke in favor of approving the license, citing the applicant’s efforts to improve the building. “Jeff has been a responsible businessman in North End, for many years and is bringing that building back to life,” Brown said, and noted Heller is “trying to put an elevator system in there” though it is not yet completed.

After brief discussion, the council voted by voice and the motion passed.

Why it matters: The vote highlights a recurring tension in local permitting between legal standards for licensure and councilors’ concerns about accessibility and equity for residents with mobility impairments. The council did not identify a legal basis to deny the license and proceeded with approval.