The Holyoke Licensing Board voted to resolve a possible license violation for the establishment at 14 High Street with a written violation to be placed in the licensee’s file.

Board members opened the agenda item after staff described the background: the license was approved in December 2023, police reported after‑hours activity in May 2024, and a June 1, 2024 video reviewed during a subsequent investigation showed a person on-site holding an open beer bottle near the premises. The board discussed whether earlier action taken in July 2024—characterized at that time as an admonition—had been recorded as a formal written warning or only noted verbally in the minutes.

Licensing staff and the board recited the local penalty schedule used as guidance. The penalty schedule, as read at the meeting, states first violations should be recorded as a written warning sustained on file for three years and permits suspension of a license for up to five days at the board’s discretion. Board members disagreed about whether the July 2024 matter was reduced to a written warning at the time; several commissioners said the record showed only a verbal admonition and that a written entry should be created now.

Discussion focused on the video evidence and on appropriate progressive discipline. A staff member noted the recording showed a beer bottle and that the board could consider more aggressive sanctions for more serious or recurring violations. The licensee’s representative emphasized the business’s community involvement and warned that short suspensions could be damaging to the establishment.

A motion to issue a written notice and a one‑day suspension on a night chosen by the licensee failed. The board then approved a motion to resolve the matter with a written violation. The motion passed on an affirmative vote of the commissioners present; the board instructed staff to prepare and file the written violation in the licensee’s file.

Board members also discussed the statutory and local authorities invoked in the matter and agreed the shooting referenced in background materials was a separate criminal matter and not a basis for the licensing penalty. The board asked staff to ensure the written notice references the local penalty schedule and is retained in the licensing record.

The board did not announce any additional suspension or monetary penalty at the meeting; members said they retained discretion to pursue stronger sanctions if future incidents occur.