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Lowell Licensing Commission approves multiple event and alcohol permits; schedules Mandarin Bistro hearing
Summary
The Lowell Licensing Commission on March 6 approved a series of event and temporary alcohol licenses — including a carnival, community festivals and charity wine pourings — and set a public hearing for an ownership/manager transfer for Mandarin Asian Bistro on March 27.
The Lowell Licensing Commission on March 6 approved a string of special-event, one-day and charity alcohol permits for spring events across the city and scheduled a separate public hearing for a transfer of an all-alcohol restaurant license.
Applications granted included a proposed carnival by Fiesta Shows at Crosspoint, the 15th annual Khmer New Year celebration at Clemente Park, charity wine-pouring and auction activity for ALSAC benefiting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at Lowell Memorial Auditorium, the 2025 Grecian Festival at Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church, a one-day license for a Lowell Community Charter Public Schools fundraiser at Mill No. 5, wine events at the Arts League of Lowell, and a single-day Aramark license for a retirement reception. All motions to approve were made and seconded by members of the commission and carried without recorded opposition.
Why it matters: the approvals clear the way for multiple community gatherings and fundraisers that use public space and alcohol service; the commission’s actions also trigger standard inspections and temporary police, fire and health oversight where required.
Most event applicants described experience or expected attendance. John Flynn, vice president of Fiesta Shows, said the company would arrange required safety inspections with the state Department of Public Safety and local building, electrical, health and fire departments and expected “at least 500 people” to make the venue successful, while Ashley Muddy, manager of Free Spirits Events Company, quipped in response to a question about free drinks, “We get that question a lot. It’s false advertising.” Robert Doris of Aramark said his Allen House retirement reception was expected to draw about 40 people and would use one bartender and one wait staff who are tip-certified.
Votes at a glance - Fiesta Shows carnival (Crosspoint, Chelmsford Street): Motion to approve by Commissioner Krieger; seconded by Commissioner Donoghue; outcome: approved (4–0, Commissioner Tang absent). - Clemente Park Khmer New Year (Palin Sports Complex): Motion to approve by Commissioner Mercier; seconded by Commissioner Donoghue; outcome: approved (4–0, Commissioner Tang absent). - ALSAC charity wine pouring (Lowell Memorial Auditorium): Motion to approve by Commissioner Donoghue; seconded by Commissioner Krieger; outcome: approved (4–0, Commissioner Tang absent). - Grecian Festival (Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church): Motion to approve by Commissioner Krieger; seconded by Commissioner Donoghue; outcome: approved (4–0, Commissioner Tang absent). - Lowell Community Charter Schools one-day license (Mill No. 5): Motion to approve by Commissioner Krieger; seconded by Commissioner Mercier; outcome: approved (4–0, Commissioner Tang absent). - Arts League of Lowell wine events (307 Market Street): Motion to approve by Commissioner Donoghue; seconded by Commissioner Krieger; outcome: approved (4–0, Commissioner Tang absent). - Aramark one-day license (retirement reception, Allen House): Motion to approve by Commissioner Donoghue; seconded by Commissioner Krieger; outcome: approved (4–0, Commissioner Tang absent). - Mandarin Asian Bistro (24 Market Street) license transfer: public hearing scheduled for March 27, 2025, at 6 p.m.; motion to schedule by Commissioner Donoghue; seconded by Commissioner Mercier; outcome: approved (4–0, Commissioner Tang absent).
What the approvals require: applicants were reminded that approvals are subject to required inspections and any additional permits or police details. Several applicants said they will submit inspection paperwork and evidence of TIP (training for servers) or similar certifications where appropriate.
The commission closed its meeting after scheduling the March 27 hearing and making the motions listed above. Commissioner Tang was recorded absent for the session; four commissioners participated in the votes.
