Northampton License Commission approves new venues and several license transfers
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Summary
At its Dec. 17 meeting the commission approved a new common victualler and entertainment license for Blackbird, transfers of package and restaurant licenses (including Mexicalito/Bottle O/Ye Olde Watering Hole), a new entertainment license for Jake’s, and short‑term licenses for Quonk.
The Northampton License Commission on Dec. 17 approved a slate of license applications and transfers, clearing the way for a new live‑performance venue, several ownership transitions, and short‑term events.
The commission approved a new common victualler and entertainment license for Alliance LLC d/b/a Blackbird at 27 Pleasant Street after owner Lauren Winiarski described plans to offer musicians, drag and theater and to emphasize nonalcoholic options alongside beer and wine. "I've probably brought, over 6 tons of plywood and various materials to the dump so far," Winiarski said of renovations as she described a targeted early‑January opening timeline.
The commission also approved a transfer of an annual all‑alcohol restaurant license involving ALD NoHo LLC, a license acquired out of bankruptcy that counsel said the applicant bought from a trustee; counsel noted state agencies were noticed in the bankruptcy and said that process should clear the typical tax‑related certificate issues. Commissioners asked for a six‑month check‑in after the ABCC (state Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission) completes its review to track whether a resale or other change occurs.
Other approvals included a transfer and change of location for a wine & malt package store from Oxbow Wines LLC d/b/a Bottle O to Shea Incorporated d/b/a Bird Store at 81 Maple Street (owner Doreen Patel said the new site is about 2,000 square feet), and approval of the transfer of an annual all‑alcohol restaurant license for Ye Olde Watering Hole to McBrecht Incorporated with manager Daniel Breckner, who said he plans "to run it the way it always has been." The commission also approved a new entertainment license for Washing and Wear Inc. d/b/a Jake's Restaurant to permit acoustic music Fridays and Saturdays, 5:30–11:00 PM.
Commissioners approved short‑term liquor licenses for Pedigo Services LLC d/b/a Quonk at 122 Main Street for two events (Jan. 10 and Jan. 17), with applicant Jake Gibson estimating 35–40 people per event.
Each motion passed with a unanimous vote of the commissioners present. Staff noted a number of renewals and surrendered licenses that will be tracked at future meetings, and confirmed the commission will follow up on agreed check‑ins.
What’s next: Applicants should complete any outstanding building and fire requirements (for example, Jake’s was advised to confirm whether an entertainment relay is needed on its fire‑alarm system) and await required state ABCC reviews where transfers were involved.
