Cranston licenses committee approves several licenses, conditions some on inspections; orders enforcement checks for alleged unlicensed auto repair

The Cranston Services and Licenses Committee on Jan. 13 approved multiple licensing items and directed inspections and enforcement steps in cases where compliance was unclear.

Tasca Automotive Group: The committee approved an auto‑body (auto repair/auto body) license for Tasca Automotive Group at 33 Shop Drive on the condition that the city clerk receives the fire marshal’s final inspection report. Tasca’s representative, Austin Tasca, told the committee that the business had completed a fire inspection and the fire official confirmed follow‑up items had been addressed; the committee’s approval is contingent on receipt of the updated fire marshal report held by the clerk.

Cigar World LLC transfer and Ralph Square location: The committee approved a conditional transfer of a Class BV liquor license tied to Cigar World LLC’s relocation. Attorney Robert Peretti and manager Anthony Davidson appeared for the applicant and told the committee that construction and permitting remain in progress. The committee approved the transfer to the new Ralph Square location on the condition that the city clerk hold the license until the applicant provides a certificate of occupancy and, where applicable, a Rhode Island Department of Health license. The committee noted it will not release the license until required documents are filed with the clerk.

Alleged unlicensed auto‑repair operation (Caravan Auto / JJ Corp): Committee members discussed a recurring compliance issue for Caravan Auto (JJ Corp) at 1185 Cranston Street, which had failed a fire inspection in August and had not appeared before the committee. Members expressed concern that the business may be operating without a valid license. The committee instructed the city to task code enforcement and the fire department to perform inspections and compile evidence on whether the business is operating without a license. The committee continued the matter to the February Safety Services meeting to review inspection reports and determine whether to issue a show‑cause proceeding.

Other routine approvals and conditional items: The committee approved several other licenses, including a victualling/food license for Pizza Mama (640 Reservoir Ave) and a class F liquor license request from the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church for a Feb. 8 fundraiser, both subject to standard city requirements. Crumble (Cranston Cookies LLC) and Pawtucket Village Market received approvals pending final Rhode Island Department of Health sign‑offs where applicable.

Committee chair Councilwoman Graziano and solicitor staff clarified that conditional approvals will be held at the clerk’s office until required certificates and inspections are submitted. The committee also discussed processes for compiling enforcement evidence when businesses fail to appear on agendas or operate without required licenses.