Lawrence licensing board ends hours rollback for Tavern on the Merry Mack after owner says business plunged

The Lawrence Licensing Board voted April 22 to end a rollback of operating hours for the Tavern on the Merry Mack, restoring the licensee to regular hours effective immediately.

Brian Carrian, speaking for Tavern on the Merry Mack LLC, told the board the rollback and a one-week suspension imposed at a March 25 hearing had "devastating effect" on the business. Carrian said sales in the week after the rollback fell "over 35%" compared with the prior week and that the owner had entered a preliminary agreement to sell the business. He asked the board to stop the rollback so the owner could keep the business viable pending the sale.

Owner Lisa Bibo accepted responsibility for the incident that prompted enforcement and described steps she has taken to prevent a recurrence, including introducing a flashlight ID scanner and a second form of ID checks for patrons who may be underage. "We take full responsibility. What happened should have never happened," she said.

Commissioners noted the Lawrence Police and the fire lieutenant had no objection to suspending the rollback immediately. Commissioner Mike Lair moved to end the rollback effective tonight; the motion was seconded and passed on a roll call vote by attending commissioners, restoring the tavern's prior hours.

The vote removes the operating-hour restriction imposed after the board found the licensees had served minors; the board left open the possibility of more severe penalties if violations recur. The owner said she has already served the one-week suspension ordered at the March hearing and will provide documentation the board requested.

Next steps: the board did not reopen the earlier disciplinary finding; it only lifted the temporary rollback of hours. The tavern may proceed under its regular license conditions, and the board warned that future violations could bring stiffer consequences.