Board of License Commissioners approves transfers, outdoor seating and several new/renewal licenses; several petitions continued or withdrawn

The Pawtucket Board of License Commissioners took up a batch of licensing matters Wednesday evening, approving several transfers and license requests while continuing or deferring others after public comment.

The board handled consent items — including a fourth-of-July fireworks license at Centerville Bank Stadium and routine renewals — before proceeding through advertised public hearings and petitions.

Tattoo-studio transfer: The board convened and approved a public hearing to transfer a tattoo license for Sacred Traditions Tattoo LLC from 500 Armistice Boulevard to 200 Main Street, Suite 4. Applicant Victoria Loring told the board the operation will not add cosmetic tattooing; Councilor Constance Kodier confirmed equipment and procedures would remain the same. A motion to approve the transfer carried on a voice vote.

Outdoor seating requests: Two restaurants asked to add outdoor seating and received approvals with conditions. Tugas Restaurant and Catering (110 Mineral Spring Ave.) requested six outdoor tables behind the restaurant; applicant Ana/Anna Santos said hours would be 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., no music and seating in a parking-lot rear area. Following neighbor support and Councilor Kodier’s questions, the board approved the expansion.

Classic Cuisine (formerly La Esquina Colombiana), 266 Grand Ave., received approval for a class B victualer license with outdoor seating under the stipulations carried over from the prior tenant: a maximum of four tables (two on Grand Ave., two on Suffolk Ave.), two chairs per table, and outdoor service ending by 8 p.m. The board also set operating hours of 11 a.m. to midnight with last call and in-door ambient music ending at 11:45 p.m.; takeout may continue until 1 a.m.

Pollo Royale (214 Columbus Ave.): The board approved a transfer of a class B victualer license to Ortiz Corporation (Pollo Royale) and an associated first-class liquor license. Attorney Nicholas Hemond presented the Ortez family’s proposal (their seventh location overall) and confirmed there would be no drive-through at the site. The board approved the transfer with a starting condition of an 11 p.m. closing time and outdoor seating to be wrapped up by 10 p.m.

Liquor-license transfers and withdrawals: A contested transfer of a Class A liquor license involving RJ's Liquors (proposed transfer from 400 Broadway to 274 Broadway) was withdrawn by the applicant and the board subsequently voted to postpone/indefinitely postpone at the applicant’s request; several written objections were filed and received into the record prior to the withdrawal.

Amber Hookah Lounge: The board convened a public hearing for Amber Hookah Lounge (590 Newport Ave.). Applicants appeared, but councilors and neighbors raised concerns about parking, ventilation, anticipated hours, and residential proximity. After extended questioning about staffing, menu, ventilation/smoke control and parking operations (including a proposed valet arrangement), the board continued the public hearing to July 9 to allow the councilor and applicant to meet and for staff to follow up with fire and police on outstanding items.

Procedure and votes: Most items were approved by voice votes after applicant testimony and brief councilor questions. Several contested or high-traffic items were either continued to provide time for additional review or withdrawn by applicants.

Why this matters: License approvals and transfers directly shape which businesses can operate and with what conditions in Pawtucket neighborhoods. The board included conditions on hours and outdoor service in several approvals, reflecting neighborhood concerns about noise, parking and public safety.

Votes at a glance (selected items): - Sacred Traditions Tattoo (TAT-25-2): Transfer approved (transfer from 500 Armistice Blvd. to 200 Main St., Suite 4) — motion approved (voice vote). - Tugas Restaurant & Catering (LQB-24-22): Expansion to include outdoor seating (six tables, 4–9 p.m., no music) — approved (voice vote). - Pollo Royale / Ortiz Corporation (LQB-25-3): Transfer of class B victualer license and first-class liquor license — approved with 11 p.m. closing and 10 p.m. wrap-up of outdoor seating (voice vote). - Classic Cuisine (LQB-25-2): Class B victualer with outdoor seating approved with prior stipulations and operating hours set (voice vote). - RJ's Liquors (Class A transfer LQA-25-1): Applicant withdrew; item postponed/indefinitely postponed at applicant request. - Amber Hookah Lounge (LQB-25-4): Public hearing continued to July 9 for follow-up on parking, ventilation and staffing.

The board clerk will publish formal minutes and the license documents; the continued items are set for the board’s next scheduled meeting on July 9.