Cranston committee accepts voluntary closure, security plan from Zona Lounge after reported shooting

Cranston’s Safety Services & Licenses Committee voted March 16 to accept a proposal by the owners of Zona Lounge, 195 Niantic Ave., that the establishment remain closed through March 23, 2026, and submit an updated security plan by that date while the city reviews surveillance and the status of a pending criminal investigation.

The committee acted after police testimony that a gunshot victim who later sought treatment at Roger Williams Hospital said he was shot on Kenwood Street after leaving Zona Lounge at about 1:30 a.m. on March 16, 2026. Major Robert Quirk of the Cranston Police Department told the committee that officers who examined the lounge and its parking area did not document shell casings, blood or other physical evidence tying the shooting to the premises. "No, no physical evidence whatsoever was documented by any of the officers at the scene," Major Quirk said.

The licensee’s attorney, Attorney Petracca, summarized the police report to the committee and offered voluntary measures in light of the ongoing investigation. He said the report describes a victim wearing an expensive necklace who was accosted by three masked individuals and shot while outside the club. Petracca told the committee his client voluntarily surrendered the venue’s DVR and will provide an amended security plan. "My client will do whatever you instruct to do," Petracca said, adding that if the council suspended the license he planned to pursue review with the Division of the Board of Licenses (DBR).

Committee members pressed for a written security plan and an explicit deadline. Chair Haroyan said she expected the licensee to submit the updated security plan in writing before March 23 and that the committee would revisit the matter on April 6 for a status update. The motion the committee adopted requires submission of video surveillance from March 16, a drafted security plan by 03/23/2026, and closure of the business through 03/23/2026; the item will be added to the April 6 Safety Services agenda.

Council members also discussed policing logistics. Police representatives described difficulty routinely filling four-hour detail shifts on weekend nights and instead suggested targeted beat and patrol checks near closing times to increase visibility. Several council members said they wanted a balance between protecting public safety and avoiding undue harm to a local business that council members described as longstanding in the community.

The motion passed by roll call with six votes in favor and one opposed (Councilman Andujar). The committee did not make findings of fact tonight; the chair said that if significant new evidence emerges during the criminal investigation the committee could reconvene or schedule another show-cause proceeding.

Next steps set by the committee include receipt of the security plan and surveillance by March 23, a status report at the April 6 Safety Services meeting, and review of any newly discovered evidence that might alter the administrative outcome.