Board tells Tarah Luna Group to seek zoning approval first; licensing board will inspect premises if zoning clears

Jenny Gonzales, owner of the Tarah Luna Group, asked the Lawrence City Alcohol Licensing Board what the next steps would be for a premises that has raised prior concerns. The board told her the applicant must first obtain any required zoning approvals; if zoning approves an alteration of premises, the licensing board will then inspect the site and consider the license.

A commissioner summarized the board’s approach to the space: “We have to go to zoning. Okay? That’s where it is now. And we also told them when it comes back, if the zoning approves it, then I have to go over there. This board has to go over there, inspect it, and see the safety concerns.” The commissioner emphasized narrow hallways and egress considerations and said the board will not approve a license that fails inspection.

Gonzales identified herself to the board as “Jenny Gonzales, owner of the Tarah Luna Group.” She and the board discussed that a prior owner had an existing license at the premises and that an alteration of premises could be filed with the Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission. The commissioner also said the current building owner had the right to pursue a license but that any incoming operator must follow zoning and pass inspection before the board will approve a license on the site.

The board gave no formal approval or denial on the Tarah Luna matter at the meeting; instead, members directed applicants to complete zoning processes and signaled they will perform on‑site inspections and evaluate fire and safety access if the matter returns to the licensing board.