Worcester finds licensing violations at Havana Knights; suspension tied to state approval process

The Worcester License Commission determined that Havana Holdings LLC, doing business as Havana Knights Restaurant and Lounge (258 Park Ave), violated local licensing rules after a compliance inspection and police review, and it placed a three‑day suspension on the establishment tied to the state licensing timetable.

At the commission’s hearing, Worcester Police investigator Patrick Harrington described the 09/18/2025 compliance visit that prompted the action. Harrington reported investigators could not find a properly posted current liquor license on the premises, that alcohol was being stored in an unsecured pod in the parking lot (outside the licensed footprint) and that distributor paperwork was not produced for bottles observed behind the counter. Harrington said the listed manager had told investigators he was no longer employed at the restaurant and confirmed ownership information showing the listed owner living out of state.

Harrington’s narrative noted staff members later turned over package‑store receipts showing some of the liquor had been bought from a local package store. The investigator additionally described menus and signage indicating a change of name and other changes to the business footprint.

Counsel for Havana Holdings told the commission the operation had removed alcohol from the premises, re‑posted required license documents, reestablished wholesaler accounts where appropriate and filed for a manager change; the operator requested permission to resume alcohol sales while a new manager change was pending at the state Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission (ABCC). The company said it anticipated filing transfer paperwork by Oct. 21.

The commission made an explicit finding that the violations occurred. Commissioners moved to suspend the license for three days, but after discussion agreed to keep the suspension in abeyance and maintain the status quo until the ABCC approves a new manager; the suspension will be applied once state approval has been granted unless the commission later revises the penalty. The commission denied the operator’s request to resume alcohol sales before state approval.

The vote to find violations and to adopt the suspension approach was recorded in the commission’s action. Commissioners also required that the business remain closed to alcohol sales until ABCC action and that the commission or city inspectors be allowed to re‑inspect the premises before any resumption of service.

The commission’s decision and the police investigator’s report will be entered into the official licensing record; the operator was informed of appeal rights under local rules.