Somerville committee recommends Mint Indian Eatery’s request to stay open until 4 a.m.; resident raises delivery-driver noise concern

The Licenses and Permits Committee recommended approval of an extended operating-hours license for Mint Indian Eatery at 868 Broadway, allowing in-store sales, takeout and delivery until 4 a.m.; the recommendation was forwarded to the full City Council.

Applicant Rajesh Thapa, who recently bought the store near Tufts University, told the committee he sought late-night hours to serve students and recapture orders currently routed to Cambridge and Boston. "I used to run a pizzeria in Cambridge, which we used to open till 4AM," Thapa said, noting his experience with late-night deliveries.

Councilors raised neighborhood-impact questions, including whether adjacent residential units were occupied and the potential for noise and traffic. The chair noted the city’s noise complaint ordinance and said that, if complaints arise, the committee could revisit the license.

Resident Ari Ocarino of Ward 7 spoke in favor of more late-night options but asked specifically about delivery-driver behavior: "What's been your experience with delivery drivers potentially blasting music...and how would you be handling that at the hours of, you know, 1 to 4AM?" Thapa responded that pickups would be quick, drivers in quiet neighborhoods tend to be mindful, and he did not expect large crowds or loud music.

After public comment the committee voted 2–0 to recommend approval with one member absent. The chair again reminded the applicant not to operate until the license was issued.