Commissioners approve modified hours for Ward 5 club at 29 Winter St.; organizer must notify police for events over 100

The Taunton City Board of License Commissioners approved a modification to the hours and scope of operations for New Ward 5, doing business as Underground Bar and Grill at 29 Winter Street, designating the venue’s primary use as "functions only" and adding a condition that the licensee notify the police detail desk if an event is expected to exceed 100 attendees.

Maria Cardoso, who identified herself as the business owner, told the commission she plans to operate the venue for seminars, business luncheons and private functions and does not intend to open the space to the general public. "I'm thinking of opening the club for functions and functions only," Cardoso said. She described prior outdoor summer events that ceased about eight years ago and said her current operations typically include wine tastings, trainings and family events.

Commissioners discussed capacity and public-safety precautions. Cardoso said she has never put more than 200 people upstairs and that the downstairs capacity is 106. Commissioners and staff said the commission would grant the waiver for routine functions but include a note that if the licensee anticipates more than 100 attendees she should contact the police detail desk so officers can review whether a paid detail is needed. "If you anticipate more than a hundred, that you'll need to contact the police department for details," a commissioner said during the discussion.

After discussion the board voted in favor of the modification. Commissioners noted the license remains subject to all applicable city regulations and the licensee should return to the commission if operations change from the functions-only arrangement.

The vote carried by voice; Commissioner Mullen was absent and commissioners present voted in the affirmative.