Woonsocket council rejects two 2 a.m. liquor-license requests, approves other license and routine city measures

Woonsocket City Council members voted down two separate requests to extend alcohol service to 2 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 20, rejecting applications for a name change and late-hours extension at 579 Front Street and for extended hours at Little Lena’s, 144 North Main Street. The council approved a secondhand-dealer license for Extreme Inventory at 136 Court Street and took up a series of finance and municipal votes later in the meeting.

Supporters and opponents of 2 a.m. closing times addressed the council during public hearings. Residents including Estelle Bubbles of Third Avenue, Stephen Weber of Woonsocket and Michelle Stabell of Ray Avenue told the council they opposed later closing times, citing public-safety concerns and police staffing. Council debate focused heavily on public-safety impacts and fairness across businesses.

Councilwoman Elizabeth Fox said she supported 2 a.m. licenses generally and described them as common in comparable cities. “If people want to come here and spend money, and…