Commission flags new‑license filing at former SOWA site; several transfers remain pending

Members of the Gardner City License Commission raised questions about a new full liquor license application at the former SOWA location and reviewed multiple pending license transfers and renewals that remain under review by the state authority.

Commission members said materials in the packet indicate the operator at the former SOWA site applied for a full liquor license rather than a takeout‑only permit. Commissioners asked whether the site would remain takeout only, whether a kitchen remains on the premises and whether the new filing represents a separate business rather than a transfer. The commission scheduled attorney Flick to attend the next meeting to clarify the business structure and licensing questions.

The commission also reported other pending matters: - Lithuanian Outing Association: change‑of‑manager paperwork was submitted March 27 and remains under review by the ABCC. - Sabah Asian Cuisine and Lounge: transfer application was submitted in April and the ABCC returned the application as "no action" on March 12; the commission said the application has missing or incorrect documents that the applicant will submit directly to the ABCC. - South Garden Motel: a boarding‑house renewal application was filed May 28 but is missing a core report; the owner has been notified and the commission will finish processing when the application is complete.

The chair asked staff to place attorney Flick and the new‑license questions on the next meeting agenda and to follow up on outstanding documents so the commission can close out old business.