Superintendent says Larkin Event Center will keep existing restrictions; board clarifies alcohol oversight

Danvers School District Superintendent Heidi Riccio told the Select Board on Dec. 2 that the Larkin Event Center’s entertainment license is intended for school‑sponsored entertainment and that the district is not seeking to relax previously imposed restrictions.

Riccio said the center has primarily hosted school events and that when alcohol has been present it was through one‑day liquor licenses or a 12C caterer retained for the event. She told the board that the district "did not go for the full day liquor license under our name" and prefers to use one‑day licenses or caterers for outside alcohol service.

Board members pressed for clarity about whether alcohol could be served under the entertainment license. Town clerk and counsel clarified that the entertainment license addresses entertainment only and does not replace liquor licenses; a 12C caterer holds its own ABCC license and the board is only notified of such service, but does not issue a one‑day liquor license for those caterers. Riccio said the district retained a private security officer for events and provided a parking and safety plan.

Riccio provided capacity estimates — roughly 160–170 with round tables (no dance floor) or up to 250 in theater seating — and said the district will keep the 9 p.m. entertainment end time and other previously imposed conditions. The board took no other action and indicated the entertainment license renewal would appear on the consent calendar if conditions remain unchanged.