Commission finds Clock Beer and Wine violated license rules; hearing continued to Aug. 7 and premises ordered closed

The Worcester License Commission on July 24 found evidence that Clock Beer and Wine Store at 22 Front St. violated local license rules requiring posted warning signs and server training and continued the matter to a violation hearing on Aug. 7, ordering the premises remain closed until that hearing.

The commission’s finding followed testimony from Worcester Police Sergeant Thomas Needham, who said he visited the business on June 12 at about 6:45 p.m. and encountered a person working at the register who did not hold the required TIP (training) certification. Needham reported that required Rule 19 posting (driving under the influence/possession-in-vehicle warnings as cited to “chapter 138 §34 a and b” in his report) were not posted where required.

Why it matters: A finding of a local licensing rule violation can lead to suspension or other enforcement actions; the commission ordered closure of the premises pending receipt of updated ownership paperwork and a formal violation hearing.

What police reported

Sergeant Needham said his office reviewed corporate records and found inconsistent LLC filings and a recent administrative dissolution followed by an update listing Felicio (Fabricio) Lanna as a manager/signatory (filed 01/18/2024). At a status hearing earlier in the process no representatives had appeared, prompting an on-site inspection. At the June 12 visit, Needham said the inspector observed the store with doors open, lights on, and an employee at the register who lacked TIP certification.

Applicant and counsel response

Attorney Steve Madaus, representing the business and manager Fabricio Lanna, said the employee present had been doing inventory and cleaning and that the doors should have been closed for that work. Madaus said the owner listed on the current liquor license is Anderson Wink (the owner did not appear at the July 24 hearing) and that Lanna had been attempting to file a transfer of ownership but the application had deficiencies and had not yet been completed locally or at the state level. Madaus also said that since the incident the business has voluntarily closed and he had been retained in the last several days to assist with completing transfer paperwork.

Commission reaction and action

Commissioners expressed concern that the owner listed on the license was not present and that an un-TIP-certified person was operating on the premises during business hours. The commission stated it found the violations substantiated by the report and testimony, made a formal finding of violation of Rule 19 (posting) and Rule 20 (manager/serving training), and voted to continue the matter to Aug. 7. The commission also ordered the store to remain closed until the Aug. 7 hearing and instructed the Office of Inspectional Services that the applicant should submit outstanding transfer paperwork immediately; failure to do so may lead to suspension.

What the licensee said it would do

On the record, counsel and representatives said they expected to submit the ownership transfer application to the Office of Inspectional Services by the next business day or Monday and that the owner (Anderson Wink) expected to attend the Aug. 7 hearing. Counsel stated he had arranged TIP training for staff after the incident and that internal corrections (posting of signs, staff TIP certification) had been initiated.

Next steps

The commission set the violation hearing for Aug. 7, 2025. The Office of Inspectional Services is to confirm whether the transfer application and any corrective documentation (employee TIP certificates; posted warning signs) were submitted; the commission warned that if required paperwork is not filed the license may be suspended.