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Board issues warning to 7‑Eleven franchise after large unpermitted car show blocked parking and prompted burnouts
Summary
After a July 11 unpermitted car‑show that drew roughly 50–60 vehicles and spilled into adjacent hotel parking, the Board of License Commissioners held a show‑cause hearing and voted to issue a warning with conditions requiring social‑media controls and advance notice to Lincoln police.
The Board of License Commissioners held a show‑cause hearing and on a voice vote issued a warning to Chowdhury Inc., the licensee for the 7‑Eleven store where an unpermitted car show on July 11 drew about 50–60 vehicles and disrupted traffic.
Sergeant Zachary Hubbard of the Lincoln Police Department testified that on July 11 his officers responded to multiple 9‑1‑1 calls and found ‘‘approximately 50 to 60 vehicles parked in the 7 11 parking lot,’’ with some vehicles overflowing into the adjacent Marriott/ Emeritus parking and drivers performing burnouts as they left. Hubbard said officers stopped several vehicles for unsafe operation and that state and neighboring police assisted in dispersing the crowd.
Michael Palermo, introduced at the hearing as the district manager for 7‑Eleven, said the franchisee ‘‘had no understanding of this event’’ and cooperated with police. Palermo described the incident as ‘‘sporadic’’ and said the franchisee did not plan or staff for such a gathering.
The town solicitor recommended issuing a warning rather than revoking the license, proposing two conditions: that the corporate or franchisee social‑media policy be used to prevent unsanctioned public events, and that Lincoln Police be notified one month before any future promotional ‘‘free Slurpee’’ days that could attract large crowds. The board voted to accept the solicitor’s recommendation and issue a warning with those conditions; council members also discussed asking the store or corporate office to coordinate with police when promotions could create large public gatherings.
At the hearing the franchise representative apologized and said he believed the coordinator had intended a small gathering that grew after a public Facebook post. The solicitor and several council members emphasized that posting in a public social‑media group can magnify attendance and urged licensees to contact police early if crowds appear to be growing.
The board’s action was recorded as a warning to the licensee with conditions; the board noted that repeated incidents could prompt more severe disciplinary action. The hearing record and the officer’s report were the primary basis for the board’s decision.
The Board of License Commissioners concluded its business and the Town Council resumed its agenda later in the meeting.
