Lawrence board issues progressive sanctions for Tavern on Merrimack after underage-drinking inspections
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Summary
Following police administrative inspections that identified dozens of underage patrons, the Lawrence Licensing Board adopted progressive penalties for Tavern on Merrimack: written warning (first), seven-day suspension (second), rollback hours to 11:30 p.m. through April 30 (third), and potential one-year closure for further violations.
The Lawrence Licensing Board on March 25 adopted a progressive disciplinary package for Tavern on Merrimack after Lawrence police reported multiple inspections that identified groups of underage patrons.
Lieutenant Oliveri opened the item by summarizing the investigations and said, "20 individuals under the age of 21 were identified on the premises." Sergeant Lopez read a more detailed inspection report, saying officers conducted identification checks, intercepted patrons exiting the business and identified approximately 17 people between 18 and 20 years old and that several underage individuals were found in possession of alcoholic beverages. Lopez noted security personnel were using an ID-scanning device with outdated software that could accept fraudulent IDs.
Attorney Brian Fargan, representing Tavern on Merrimack LLC, told the board his client "attempted to do" the right thing and described steps taken since the incident, including additional ID training, use of black-light checks and added security. Manager Lisa Bebo described adding a front security person, a back-door alarm and an iPad-based photo-ID check.
Commissioner Laird said the board had received complaints from neighbors and Merrimack College and recommended a stepped set of penalties, noting that each underage patron counts as a separate violation under the board's rules. The board voted to apply: a written warning for the first offense; a seven-day suspension for the second; rollback of hours to 11:30 p.m. until April 30 for the third; and potential one-year closure if further violations occur. The clerk read the motion and recorded the vote; commissioners voted in favor and the board noted the right to appeal ABCC actions within five days.
The board also gave the tavern five days to notify the board of any scheduling conflicts for suspension dates and reminded parties of the appeal process to the ABCC.
