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License commission suspends Panda Buffet’s alcohol privileges after police report of employee assault
Summary
After police described an alleged indecent assault at Panda Buffet and officers said management delayed sharing video and employee information, the Worcester License Commission found a Rule 14 violation and voted to suspend alcohol service for five days (two days to serve on July 19 and July 26).
The Worcester License Commission voted to suspend Panda Buffet’s ability to serve alcohol for five days, with two days to serve on July 19 and July 26, after police presented a report about an alleged indecent assault at the restaurant on Feb. 8.
Police officer Glenn Stout read findings that a patron or employee reported an indecent assault at the Panda Buffet, 97 Stafford Street, and that management did not immediately provide surveillance video or employee contact information, which investigators said slowed the probe. Detective Joe Ford told the commission that a later follow‑up produced video and employee information that detectives are using to pursue criminal complaints.
Attorney Terry Bernstein, representing the licensee, said the events were “a horrible incident,” but argued there was no direct nexus between alcohol service and the assault and described miscommunication between staff and the victim. “If she had known that the victim had been assaulted, she would immediately have called the police,” Bernstein said, urging the commission to consider the context and corrective steps the business has taken.
Commissioners said the gravity of the alleged assault and delays in providing evidence required a formal enforcement response. Chair Anthony Vigliotti found that a violation of Worcester Rule 14 (manager responsibility for disorder on the licensed premises) occurred and moved for suspension; the motion passed with the commissioners voting yes.
The commission recommended management improve incident reporting and documentation practices, and warned that additional violations could trigger the remainder of a suspended penalty. The commission clarified that the action affects alcohol service only; the restaurant may continue food service if other permits allow.
The licensee and police were given dates for the suspension and instructed to comply with the board’s conditions. The commission also noted the possibility of criminal proceedings arising from the police investigation.
