Holyoke Licensing Board approves bulk renewals, warns 12 licensees at risk amid inspection backlog

The Holyoke City Licensing Board on Dec. 4 approved a large slate of 2025 license renewals, placed several closed or transferring establishments into "pocket" status and warned a group of delinquent licensees they face nonrenewal if required inspections and paperwork are not completed.

Board members moved through a consolidated agenda that approved routine renewals where inspections and paperwork were complete, while continuing items for venues that have not passed building or fire inspections. The board approved Boogaloo Ballroom (120 High Street) as a pocket license after owner Emily Ortiz said she closed in October and is working with the property owner to find a buyer. Staff placed the 99 Restaurant license in pocket status while a broker markets that license.

The action matters because the state Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission (ABCC) enforces numeric quotas and transfer rules; if local licenses lapse while the city is over quota or a transfer is not in place, a license can be lost. Staff told the board 12 licensees had not submitted required materials; commissioners directed staff to send letters giving those businesses until Dec. 13 to provide paperwork and be included on the Dec. 18 agenda.

Most votes on routine renewals were unanimous voice votes. Examples taken by the board during the meeting included approval of Unicorn Inn (126 High Street) and The Clover Pub (104 High Street), and batch approval of dozens of common-victualler and entertainment renewals for chains and local restaurants. Where properties were closed or under renovation, the board routinely approved renewals as "pocket" licenses, meaning the city will approve the renewal with the state but will not issue the license for active use until a business occupies the premises and satisfies inspections.

Board and staff repeatedly flagged a backlog in the building department. Staff said the department is short-staffed — currently two active inspectors after recent departures — and that several renewals have been delayed because inspections could not be scheduled. Staff and a commissioner said they expect to invite building- and fire-department representatives (and possibly legal counsel) to the Dec. 18 meeting to explain options for the 11–12 licensees awaiting inspections and to discuss how to avoid forcing businesses into nonrenewal in January.

Commissioners also noted recent state actions affecting transfers: staff reported an ABCC denial of a "gateway city" transfer last month, underscoring that state review can block local plans and that complex transfers often require legal counsel.

The board set the next licensing meeting for Dec. 18 (staff to confirm whether it will use Holyoke Media facilities or remain on Zoom) and instructed staff to send the delinquency letters. If the 12 licensees do not meet the Dec. 13 filing deadline, the board warned they may face a lapse in renewal and potential loss of their licenses when state quotas are enforced.

The Licensing Board adjourned at 6:20 p.m.