Lawrence licensing board approves several all‑alcohol restaurant licenses; board signals concern about nightclub activity on Essex Street

The Lawrence City Alcohol Licensing Board approved multiple all‑alcohol restaurant licenses and one transfer during its Oct. 22 meeting, voting to grant licenses to an R and D LLC application at 275 Essex Street, a Michael’s Bistro location at 431–435 Essex Street, and to approve a transfer for Camila’s restaurant. Commissioners also approved a requested name/hour change for an establishment listed as “RNB.”

Board members said they expect the new venues to operate primarily as sit‑down restaurants and emphasized that zoning approvals and safety inspections remain necessary for some premises. Commissioner Morales noted neighborhood concerns about late‑night venues on Essex Street and asked applicants to avoid nightclub uses that would encourage fights or late‑night disturbances.

R and D LLC representatives told the board the venue will be a restaurant serving multiple cuisines. The R and D LLC representative said the concept will include “Korean…