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Select Board continues Pier 37 Boat House enforcement hearing after police present evidence of underage drinking and overserving
Summary
Police told the board they found multiple instances of underage drinking, fake IDs and severely intoxicated patrons at Pier 37; owner Conor Mclofflin presented a corrective action plan. The Select Board continued the quasi-judicial hearing to July 13 to review body-cam footage and ABCC findings.
The Falmouth Select Board continued an enforcement hearing into complaints at Pier 37 Boat House after the police department presented multiple incidents it says show problems with underage drinking and overserving.
Police Chief Jeff Lori and detectives described a series of late-night responses that, according to the department, included severely intoxicated patrons found unconscious or "stumbling in the roadway," multiple confiscated fake IDs and at least one encounter that left officers injured. Detective Maguire summarized incidents from late May and June in which officers reported people with fake or multiple IDs, an intoxicated person who required transport to the hospital and a disturbance involving a male who resisted arrest and assaulted officers. Sergeant Oliver told the board his midnight shift has been routinely held over due to repeated crowd-control problems near Scranton Avenue, which has stretched the department—s staffing and overtime budget.
"We have seen intoxication levels that were stunning to our officers," Chief Lori said, describing multiple incidents that, he said, required considerable police resources and sometimes resulted in injuries to officers.
Conor Mclofflin, owner of Pier 37 Boat House, responded with a written corrective-action plan and on-the-record testimony describing steps he said the business has taken and will take to reduce risk. Mclofflin detailed new perimeter patrols, increased camera coverage using two ID-verification systems, a revised wristbanding regime, additional lighting and a larger on-site security presence. He told the board the business has confiscated dozens of fake IDs and said staff will continue to turn those IDs over to police.
"We recognize our responsibility to maintain a safe environment for our patrons, employees, neighbors and community," Mclofflin said, handing the board a written corrective-action report.
Board members asked for clarifying evidence. Police said body-worn-camera footage exists for key incidents and that agents from the Massachusetts Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission (ABCC) completed compliance checks and confiscated fake IDs on site during a two-night visit. The ABCC had planned to attend the meeting but did not because of scheduling conflicts; police told the board the ABCC has been involved and can provide a detailed report.
After receiving testimony, the Select Board voted to continue the hearing to the July 13 meeting and asked police to provide body-cam video and the ABCC to attend. The continuance gives the town time to review footage and for the licensee to supply any additional documentation; the board emphasized it will apply the town—s alcoholic-beverage regulations and Mass. General Laws Chapter 138 in any later findings.
What—s next: the board will meet on July 13 to review the evidence and consider findings of fact and any discipline. If the board finds violations, it may suspend, modify or revoke the license and will direct the town manager to issue a written decision; the business will retain appeal rights to the ABCC.
Speakers quoted (first reference): Police Chief Jeff Lori (SEG 2137), Detective Maguire (SEG 2250), Sergeant Oliver (SEG 2197), Conor Mclofflin, owner (SEG 2722).
