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Licensing board hears police report on alleged assault at Aqua Lounge, issues written warning over underage patrons
Summary
Police summary of an ongoing investigation into an alleged drugging and sexual assault at Aqua Lounge prompted the Lawrence Licensing Board to issue a written warning and caution the club about minors, pricing promotions and valet service.
The Lawrence Licensing Board on April 23 heard a police summary of an active investigation into an alleged assault at Aqua Lounge and issued the club a written warning over underage patrons and related compliance concerns.
Captain Cirillo of the Lawrence Police Department summarized a Detective Enriquez report (incident number 2500059) about a 20-year-old female who reported visiting Aqua Lounge at 151 Essex Street on the night of Jan. 3–4, 2025. According to the summary provided to the board, the victim said she consumed a mixed drink containing Don Julio and Red Bull and later "felt weird," and she believed someone had placed something in her drink. The captain emphasized the matter remains under active investigation.
"It's an active investigation," Captain Cirillo said during the meeting. Board members repeatedly cautioned Aqua Lounge about minors entering the establishment and about promotional pricing and valet practice. The record shows board members said prior violations at other clubs had resulted in revocations and that the board would escalate penalties if minors continued to be found on premises.
Commissioner Lea moved and Commissioner Morales seconded a motion to issue a written warning to Aqua Lounge; both commissioners voted yes and the motion passed. The board described potential future enforcement steps it might take if issues persist, including reduced hours or suspensions (a so-called "rollback" that would require earlier closing times for an interval). The board also told the club that valet parking was not permitted and that pricing promotions that encourage underage attendance must stop.
Board members and police acknowledged they could not discuss certain evidence in public because the investigation is ongoing; the captain said he would provide a written warning to the licensee the following day.
The board’s action was an administrative warning; criminal allegations remain subject to the ongoing police investigation and any subsequent prosecutions.
Votes at a glance: Aqua Lounge — motion to issue written warning; mover: Commissioner Lea; second: Commissioner Morales; vote: Lea — yes, Morales — yes; outcome: approved (written warning).
