License commission approves three manager-of-record changes at Springfield establishments

The Springfield City License Commission approved three change-of-manager petitions at its May 14, 2025 meeting, clearing proposed managers for Nathan Bills at 110 Island Pond Road, Sullivan's Allen Street package store at 3090 Allen Street, and Boulevard Tavern at 664 Page Boulevard.

The changes come after license counsel presented routine applications and the commission moved, seconded and voted to approve each petition. Commissioner responses recorded on the roll call were favorable for all three items.

Why it matters: State liquor licensing law assigns legal responsibility to the manager of record for the day‑to‑day operation of a licensed premises; the commission typically reviews qualifications, hours on site and training to ensure public‑safety obligations are met.

Dan Kelly, representing the Nathan Bills owners, told the commission that Dennery Griffin has worked at the establishment “since she’s a teenager” and has been an assistant manager. Kelly said Nathan Bills maintains 36 alcohol servers on its roster and that every server is TIP certified; the business employs about 60 people overall and Griffin works “approximately 50 to 60 hours a week,” Kelly said. The commission recorded a motion to approve the change of manager from John Sullivan to Dennery Griffin; Commissioners Cade, D'Angelo Antonio, Ramirez and Espinosa voted yes.

For the Sullivan's Allen Street package store, Kelly said Christian Leeds — a part owner who previously served as a licensed manager of record at Nathan Bills — will transition to managing the package store and expects to be on site “upwards of 40 hours a week.” Kelly reported 12 employees at that location and said all staff who handle alcohol are TIP certified. The commission approved the change of manager from Leo Bono to Christian Leeds with the same recorded yes votes.

At Boulevard Tavern, Kelly said the new proposed manager, Jody Dixon, joined the business after a recent remodel and a renewed focus on the kitchen and daytime service. Kelly estimated about a dozen employees at the tavern, all TIP certified, and said Dixon has bartended across Western Massachusetts. The commission approved the change of manager from Richard Hutchinson to Jody Dixon; the recorded votes were yes from Commissioners Cade, D'Angelo Antonio, Ramirez and Espinosa.

Discussion and next steps: Commissioners asked managers to be vigilant about checking identifications and reviewed that being manager of record carries responsibility for incidents occurring at a licensed premises whether the manager is present. No further licensing conditions were recorded on these approvals.

Ending: The commission moved on to other agenda items after the votes and did not schedule follow‑up hearings for these approvals.