Fitzwillis/Toasted Owl tavern granted common‑victual license; live music approval limited pending fire‑alarm integration

The License Commission on May 20 approved a common‑victual license and amplified trivia for Grand Amore Hospitality Inc., d/b/a Fitzwillis and Toasted Owl Tavern, with conditions tied to building and fire safety requirements for venues with occupancy over 50.

Attorney Josh Goldstein represented the applicant. Captain Stollmeier of the Northampton Fire Department explained that, under the building code definition for nightclubs and assemblies, an establishment with low lighting, amplified sound and occupancy over 50 must have an “entertainment system response” tied into the fire alarm. She described the required function: when the fire alarm activates, house lights must come up and amplification must be shut down so patrons can hear and see alarm signals.

Goldstein and the applicant agreed that live music that triggers the system cannot proceed until the required connection is documented. The commission voted to approve the common‑victual license and amplified trivia (and indoor recorded music), conditioned on receipt of standard paperwork and ABCC approval for any liquor license. Staff said issuance would wait until the licensing office had insurance, ABCC approval and any required building/fire documentation.

Kevin from the Building Department confirmed the two spaces (Fitzwillis and Toasted Owl) are currently on a single certificate of occupancy and that separating them would require separate occupancy certifications. Commissioners amended a motion during the hearing to reflect that trivia and recorded music were permitted now while live amplified music would need the fire‑alarm integration before broader live‑music programming is allowed.