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Council approves liquor license for Tower 21; owner Craig Speck tells council his venue will be all-ages with wristband controls
Summary
The council approved a liquor license and business license for Spec Artist Management’s Tower 21, a proposed all-ages music venue at 1745 Main Street. Owner Craig Speck described programming, a wristband system to control underage access, proposed hours and an estimated capacity; council members pressed for fire-marshal and security compliance.
The West Warwick Town Council approved a liquor license for Spec Artist Management LLC, doing business as Tower 21, for premises at 1745 Main Street, Units 7 and 8.
Applicant Craig Speck introduced himself to the council: "My name is Craig Speck, owner of Spec Artist Management and, DDA Tower 21," and described a 3,700-square-foot, all-ages music venue that would operate Wednesday through Sunday with music starting around 7:00 p.m. and an anticipated music shutoff near 9:00–9:15 p.m. He described programming by night: trivia and game night midweek, jazz/other genres on Thursdays, and rock/indie/punk on weekends. Ticket prices were estimated between $10 and $20 for typical shows; national touring acts could command higher online prices.
Several council members and staff questioned capacity and safety. Speck said the occupancy limit would be set by the fire marshal after an on-site review; he estimated a working capacity around 80 and said the fire marshal had previously toured the site. On beverage service and the venue’s all-ages model, Speck described a door-control and wristband system: "Everybody comes through is gonna be wearing a bracelet. Everybody is carded at the door... we do the red for the underage... and then the bands will wear yellow and whatever age they are on there." He said under-13 children would be required to be accompanied by an adult.
Councilors pressed on how the venue would prevent underage access to alcohol; Speck said security personnel at the door and a color-coded wristband system would be used and that he would comply with the fire marshal and police recommendations. Multiple council members voiced support for the venue as filling a local gap for supervised events for younger musicians and families.
After discussion and public comments, the council moved, seconded and approved the liquor-license application and then voted to approve the associated business license for Spec Artist Management. The council recorded affirmative 'ayes' on the voice votes. Staff will follow up with the applicant for final occupancy and fire-marshal clearance before full operation.
