Northampton Licensing Commission approves new arcade liquor license and a slate of short-term and renewal permits

Natasha Yakovlev, chair of the Northampton Licensing Commission, opened a public hearing Nov. 20 and the commission voted to approve a new annual wine-and-malt on‑premises license for Harvey's 1 Up Arcade LLC, d/b/a Hometown Arcade, at 150 Main Street.

Attorney Dennis Quilty, representing the applicants, told commissioners the Snow family — co-owners Matt Snow and Shelley Bansal Snow — plan a family‑friendly arcade modeled on their Norwood location and listed 51 games on the application. Quilty said the proposed manager of record is Christopher Crone and that the group filed an automatic‑amusement‑device application the same day. “They're very excited and looking forward to coming to Northampton and operating their arcade business,” Quilty said.

Commissioners asked about physical separation, service counters and age policies. Applicant Matt Snow said the former Acme space will be divided from the rest of Thorns Marketplace with glass doors, that a small bar area is planned and that parents often have a beer or glass of wine while supervising children. He said staff will enforce supervision rules and that the manager of record has restaurant and bar experience.

The commission also approved several other license applications during the meeting: an automatic‑amusement license for Think Tank Brewers LLC (DBA Progression Brewing Company) for three pinball machines at 9 Pearl Street; a short‑term wine‑and‑malt license for Country Hyundai Inc. for the Rotary’s Festival of Trees on Dec. 14; a short‑term license for Fitzwillis (Toasted Owl) for a United Way reception on Dec. 3; a new annual wine‑and‑malt restaurant license with a cordials permit for Taipei Hibachi Corporation at 1618 Crafts Avenue; and a recurring series of short‑term licenses for the Downtown Northampton Association’s Arts Night Out dates in 2025.

Votes were unanimous among commissioners present. Several approvals noted outstanding paperwork (distributor or TIPs documentation) that staff said must be completed before issuance.

Votes at a glance • Harvey's 1 Up Arcade (Harvey's 1 Up Arcade LLC, d/b/a Hometown Arcade) — motion to approve application for new annual wine-and-malt on-premises license; mover: Amy Cathalaine; seconder: Natasha Yakovlev; outcome: approved (roll call: Yakovlev yes; Cathalaine yes). • Progression Brewing (Think Tank Brewers LLC) — automatic‑amusement device license for three pinball machines; mover: Amy Cathalaine; seconder: Natasha Yakovlev; outcome: approved. • Country Hyundai Inc. — short‑term wine‑and‑malt license for Rotary Festival of Trees (12/14/2024); mover: Amy Cathalaine; seconder: Natasha Yakovlev; outcome: approved. • Fitzwillis (Toasted Owl) — short‑term wine‑and‑malt license for United Way reception (12/03/2024); mover: Amy Cathalaine; seconder: Annie Lesko; outcome: approved. • Taipei Hibachi Corporation — new annual wine‑and‑malt restaurant license with cordials permit; mover: Amy Cathalaine; seconder: Annie Lesko; outcome: approved. • Downtown Northampton Association — recurring short‑term licenses for Arts Night Out 2025 dates; mover: Amy Cathalaine; seconder: Natasha Yakovlev; outcome: approved.

What happens next Staff will complete paperwork checks (distributor/TIP certifications, finalized seating capacity and inspection certificates) before issuing final licenses. The arcade applicants were told they must also complete the automatic‑amusement paperwork; staff indicated they may need to return to the commission for that application’s formal hearing if paperwork was filed late.

Commissioners emphasized enforcement and manager qualifications when alcohol service is paired with family‑oriented operations, and staff signaled readiness to work with applicants to minimize delays around holiday openings.