The Needham Select Board voted Nov. 25 to approve an all‑alcohol on‑premises liquor license and related entertainment permission for Bohemia LLC doing business as Taberna at 1037 Great Plain Ave.

Attorney Stephanie Boudreaux, representing the applicant, told the board the proposed restaurant will be a full‑service operation with a Mediterranean‑focused small‑plates menu, two dining areas, a bar and approximately 110 indoor seats and 60 patio seats. She said the applicant expects to open in April 2026 and has filed for a common victualler and an entertainment license that would allow piped music and a small live ensemble. “The application has been approved by the police and fire,” Boudreaux said during the public hearing.

Board members pressed the applicant on past infractions at an existing Needham business and on steps to prevent underage drinking. The applicant and manager‑of‑record, Mary Keeley, described expanded staff training and new ID‑scanning procedures. “We’re going to have a stationary scanner and then a scanner for every different station in the restaurant,” an applicant representative said, describing additional on‑floor supervision and a zero‑tolerance policy on service to minors.

After discussion, a Select Board member moved to find that issuing the license would not be detrimental to nearby educational and spiritual activities within a 500‑foot radius and to issue the license subject to ABCC and town regulations. The motion was seconded and approved by voice vote. The board authorized the town manager to send written notice of its decision to the applicant and the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission.

The approval clears a key local step; the applicant will still complete building and permitting work and must comply with the ABCC’s procedures and any remaining town permit requirements before opening.

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