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City of Springfield license commission approves La Amaka’s restaurant liquor license with 1 a.m. closing
Summary
The City of Springfield License Commission approved a new all‑alcohol restaurant license for La Amaka Bar and Restaurant LLC at 141 State Street with a 1 a.m. closing time after debate over a requested 2 a.m. closing and neighborhood council conditions.
The City of Springfield License Commission on July 8 approved a new all‑alcohol restaurant license for La Amaka Bar and Restaurant LLC, d.b.a. La Amaka, at 141 State Street and set a 1 a.m. closing time.
Keisha Mireles Feliciano, who identified herself as the owner and manager of record, told commissioners she has 15 years’ experience working in Springfield public school food services and that La Amaka will focus on Latin and Hispanic cuisine in a family‑friendly setting. "My name is Keisha Mireles Feliciano," she said when introduced.
The applicant’s submitted hours were Wednesday–Sunday, 5 p.m. to 2 a.m., and she said the restaurant’s capacity will be 49 people and that three staff members will serve alcohol. Commissioners confirmed that all servers would hold TIPS certification; the chair reminded the applicant to keep those certificates on the premises for inspection, saying commissioners expect managers to be responsible for the establishment. "You are responsible for what happens in your establishment at all times, whether you are present or not," the chair said.
Neighborhood representatives had provided a conditional endorsement: the commission was shown a note from the neighborhood association recommending an initial limit of midnight after the first month of operation, restrictions on exterior banners and signage, and review of any exterior signage prior to permits. Commissioners discussed competitive pressures from nearby venues and differing views on whether new operators should start with an earlier closing time.
After discussion the chair moved to approve the license with a 1 a.m. closing time; the motion was seconded. Voting by named roll call produced four votes in favor and one opposed. The commission instructed the manager to maintain TIPS certifications on site and noted the applicant may return to request a later closing time if operations proceed without incident.
The decision resolves the license petition for La Amaka Bar and Restaurant LLC; the manager may seek a later closing hour in a future proceeding.
