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Lawrence panel approves variance allowing B and B Market to sell prepared and frozen seafood
Summary
A Lawrence City meeting approved a variance for B and B Market at 273 South Union Street to sell cooked and frozen seafood after the applicant described temperature controls and an inspector reported no violations; other agenda items were tabled for lack of inspectors.
Lawrence — Lawrence City granted a variance to B and B Market to operate at 273 South Union Street and sell prepared and frozen seafood after the market’s owner described temperature-monitoring procedures and an inspector reported the business had no violations.
The board approved the request after the applicant described daily inspection routines and backup refrigeration. “The freezer, we have 2 thermometers…we also inspect every morning before…when we open,” the owner said, adding the store has a larger backup freezer that keeps temperatures “minus 1” and that staff move product or dispose of it depending on the length of a power outage. Inspector Tom Lass told the panel, “On the routine inspection and reinspection, they comply…they don’t have any violation right now.”
Why it matters: Variances to allow sale of raw or frozen seafood carry direct food-safety implications for customers. The board’s approval follows a review of on-site practices and a report from city inspectors that the establishment is currently compliant with inspection standards.
Details of operations and compliance
The applicant said refrigerated display units and freezers will be monitored frequently; staff will check temperatures “every hour, every half an hour” for display cases and use two thermometers for freezer monitoring, with one device kept as a backup. For extended outages, the owner said product would be moved to a colder freezer or disposed of if temperatures could not be maintained. The owner also acknowledged the need to resend required paperwork to the fishery office.
A board member recommended using an electronic temperature data logger. “You don’t have to… it basically will automatically monitor the temperature throughout the day and throughout the 24 hours,” the member said, noting the device can produce a daily download of temperature history.
Licenses and next steps
Board members and staff reminded the applicant that multiple permits are required beyond a food permit, including a ServSafe (food-safety) certificate. The inspector said the market must resubmit documents to the fishery office for final approval before full permitting is complete.
Vote and formal action
A board member moved to grant the variance for B and B Market at 273 South Union Street; another member seconded the motion. Both members voted in favor and the motion passed. The motion text on record said the variance would allow B and B Market “to operate on a regular basis on 273 South Union Street on Lawrence, Massachusetts, ZIP code 01843.”
Other business
The board tabled much of its older business because several inspectors and a third board member were at training and not present. Staff said another establishment will appear at a future meeting to request a variance; staff also noted new regulations in Boston will prompt Lawrence establishments selling raw seafood to confirm compliance.
The panel adjourned and set the remaining agenda items for a future meeting when more inspectors and members are present.
