License commission suspends nightclub license amid ownership and compliance concerns; approves temporary 3 a.m. last call pilot

The Worcester License Commission suspended a nightclub license on June 11 after police and inspectors reported repeated compliance problems, unclear ownership and inconsistent manager representations, and a recent health department cease‑and‑desist.

"The license is suspended until you can straighten out, managers and ownership and the rest of the paperwork to get it done," Chair Anthony Vigliotti said when the commission voted to suspend the license and amend the motion to require a completed application, local background investigations and state Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission (ABCC) approval before any transfer or reinstatement. The motion passed unanimously.

Sergeant Tom Needham told the commission he had recorded multiple after‑hours compliance contacts on body‑worn camera and that filings on the Secretary of State’s website showed recent, unvetted changes to the LLC’s listed officers. "There’s been a change of officers and directors that has not gone through the local licensing authority," Needham said, noting the commission had not received background information on the newly listed individuals.

Representatives for the prospective purchaser said the buyer had fronted roughly $35,000 to secure an assignment of the lease after learning the seller had unpaid rent, and that ABCC‑required certificates of good standing from state agencies remain outstanding. Hoang Chuan, attorney for the purchaser, said the sale documents are signed but that the local hearing must be completed before the application can be sent to the ABCC.

Inspectors confirmed the health department had issued a temporary cease‑and‑desist because it could not reach ownership for a required food inspection; the commission said the suspension will remain in place until a properly completed application, background checks and state approval are on file.

Separately, the commission approved a temporary pilot to allow on‑premise licensees to extend last call to 3 a.m. through July 31. The motion, approved unanimously, applies all existing license commission rules for 2 a.m. closings to the 3 a.m. window (including a clearance time prior to closing) and imposes specific limitations: outdoor licensed areas still must close by 2 a.m., sidewalk cafés by midnight, and special one‑day permits retain their granted hours. Licensees seeking the 3 a.m. extension must email license@worcesterma.gov with the establishment name and address and wait for confirmation before operating under the extended hours.

Business and hospitality representatives, including the Shrewsbury Street Merchants Association and the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce, urged the commission to allow the temporary extension during the World Cup window as a limited trial and said establishments would adhere to staffing and safety plans. "This is an opportunity to showcase our city’s vibrant culture," Mike Cain of the Worcester Chamber said.

The commission said it will enforce the conditions and coordinate any needed ABCC notifications. The suspension timeline and the 3 a.m. pilot are procedural matters the commission will review in future meetings once the outstanding paperwork and registrations are resolved.