Commission discusses but does not reinstate NoHo Social's lapsed all-alcohol license; public commenter says business is reactivating

The Northampton License Commission took up an item April 20 on how to handle an annual all-alcohol on-premise license that was not renewed for 2025 and had been previously held by NoHo Social. The commission did not reinstate the license at the meeting.

During public comment Garrick Perry identified himself as representing NoHo Social ("not in my council capacity, but in association with NoHo Social") and said he is attempting to help reactivate the space after an earlier closure and a lapse of the license. "I made the decision to come on board to help manage this space again," Perry said, adding he and partners have a vision to bring the space back online.

Commissioners reviewed licensing staff's account that the license had not been renewed and that staff had taken reasonable steps to contact the holder; staff reported no substantive response until after the lapse. Commissioners discussed the value of consistency in enforcement and the practical value of putting the license back into use. Several commissioners expressed concern about setting a precedent for reinstatement after failure to renew; others said the presence of an engaged local operator made them reluctant to leave the license idle. The commission did not make a final determination and discussed options including a lottery, an application process, or a qualitative review; commissioners asked staff to consider the matter further before a formal decision.