Community board conditions Supernatural Wines corporate change on removal of unpermitted sidewalk seating

Chair Donna Raftery opened discussion of a corporate‑change application for Supernatural Wines and told the applicant the board had received photos showing seating spread "all over the sidewalk" beyond the licensed footprint. Counsel said the application reflects an internal restructuring and "no operational changes," but members said evidence showed otherwise.

Donald Bernstein, representing the applicant, said Eric Boyard has been manager and that the restructuring increases one principal's ownership share; he acknowledged the prior stipulations would remain in force. Raftery replied that the committee had received photographs from August and September showing seating in the furnishing zone and on a small platform next to a residential entry and urged immediate action.

Members pressed the applicant to stop operating outdoor seating until the group properly files with DOT and the SLA. At the committee's request, the applicant agreed to return with documentation and was asked to sign a stipulation reaffirming prior closing-hour conditions and to remove unpermitted tables and outdoor speakers.

The committee framed its condition this way: any corporate‑change approval must be contingent on the applicant ceasing unpermitted outdoor operations and submitting the required sidewalk‑cafe application and insurance paperwork. Donna Raftery summarized the board's concern: "The seating is all over the sidewalk ... It shouldn't be there at all." The committee signaled it would deny or withhold support unless those conditions were met.

Next steps: the applicant will file the required sidewalk‑cafe paperwork, provide the board with documentation of any DOT approvals, and submit a signed stipulation addressing outdoor seating and noise. The committee emphasized enforcement options if the configuration remains unchanged.