License commission approves new downtown bar’s all-alcohol license, allows 2 a.m. closing after debate

The Springfield City License Commission approved an all-alcohol on-premises general license for Family Market Group Inc., doing business as Bokeh Bar and Lounge, at 90 Worthington Street, after a debate over hours, security and hookah service.

Attorney Daniel Kelly, speaking for the applicant, said the business will operate primarily as a bar and nightclub and proffered a written security plan with camera retention and trained bouncers. Kelly said the applicant submitted the plan to the planning board and neighborhood council and that staff and bartenders would be TIP-certified. "This is going to be a very security conscious establishment," Kelly said.

The applicant identified himself during the hearing as "Jose Monte," saying he wants to bring new nightlife to downtown Springfield and plans to be on-site for most hours of operation. Kelly also noted the application on file lists a different manager name; staff and counsel agreed the manager-of-record for the applicant’s existing seasonal license will be transferred off that license if necessary before final licensing.

Commissioners focused on two issues: whether the establishment should be allowed to sell hookah and what closing hour the license should carry. Kelly said the applicant intends to pursue hookah permits at the state level before local approval is applicable and stressed that the business sought a general on-premises (bar) license rather than a restaurant license. "Nobody is going to that bar as a restaurant," Kelly said.

Several commissioners referenced a neighborhood association letter recommending earlier closing. Commissioner Sranski proposed treating the first six months as a trial period and monitoring compliance. Ultimately the commission voted to approve the license, with a recorded board tally of four in favor and one opposed. The motion to approve was made by the commissioner who introduced the item and was seconded; Commissioner Cade recorded the sole "no" vote.

The commission did not attach a separate, immediate condition changing the closing hour; the approved license will allow closing at 2:00 a.m., and commissioners said they expect to revisit operations if public-safety concerns arise. The applicant was told to complete any necessary state-level hookah licensing and to provide any outstanding manager-of-record paperwork before the license is finalized.

The commission scheduled no further action on the item beyond the administrative steps required to finalize the license.