Chelsea licensing panel approves El Kiosco ownership transfer pending paperwork and compliance

The Chelsea Licensing Commission voted Nov. 14 to approve the transfer of ownership for El Kiosco Corporation, doing business as El Kiosco at 212 Broadway, to a family member, contingent on corrected paperwork and up-to-date compliance certificates.

Attorney Jeff Turco, representing the applicant, told the commission the sellers — family members Johanna and Jose — are transferring 100% of their stock to Yuri Correa Montano, who will work about 60 hours a week and holds a current ServSafe certification. Turco said the business name, menu and location will remain unchanged and that the lease, currently shown as expiring in March 2025, has a five-year option that the parties have exercised.

The commission and licensing staff flagged inconsistencies across the application forms, noting different boxes were checked on transfer, ownership and officer-change sections and on the corporate vote pages. Chair Marnie McAlpine and staff instructed the applicant to submit corrected, consistent forms to the licensing clerk before filing with the state ABCC.

Sergeant Chung of the Chelsea Police Department told the commission that prior compliance checks at the address produced positive interactions with management but reminded the new owner to be familiar with the rules and regulations. Chung emphasized that cameras should cover the interior and entries and exits, monitors should be turned on during business hours and recorded footage must be retained for 30 days to assist investigations. Chung also advised that a manager must be on duty if the owner is not present.

Turco said the applicant plans to file to change the posted hours — currently Tuesday through Sunday, 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. — to a seven-days-a-week schedule, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., and acknowledged the additional staffing that will require. The commission noted the applicant's ServSafe certificate will need renewal when it expires and that all servers and bartenders must be certified.

A community member, Claudia Correa, spoke in support of the new owner, citing prior neighborhood cleanups and the applicant's community involvement. Licensing clerk Naomi Lebron also reminded attendees of state guidance: the ABCC has circulated notices about recent nonconsensual drugging incidents at hospitality venues and about prohibited promotional practices during the holiday season under the Liquor Control Act and Commission regulations.

Chair McAlpine asked for and received a motion, which was seconded, to approve the transfer pending submission of the corrected forms and updated compliance documents. The commission recorded two "aye" votes; the motion carried. The commission set a follow-up expectation that corrected paperwork, updated unemployment-compliance certificates and any necessary entertainment-license clarifications be delivered to the licensing office promptly.