2026-07-23 - License Commission
Summary
Commissioners Anthony Vigliotti (Chair), Charran Fisher and Maritza Cruz voted 3-0 on every item, with Sgt. Thomas Needham of the Worcester Police Department attending. After approving the July 9 minutes they approved most one-day liquor and entertainment licenses, among them Pride Worcester (September 12), the Shrewsbury Street Italian Heritage Parade, a Green Hill block party, the Massachusetts Organization of African Descendents FIFA event on Worcester Common (1,000 to 3,000 expected), a Casa Cultural Dominicana festival and the Brazilian Festival; Casita Cultura Latina was postponed to August 6 at Cruz's request, and two applicants (The Cellular Connection and Royal Ladies Garden Party) did not appear. Common victualer licenses went to a 24/7 market at 75 Quinsigamond Avenue and a Dippin Donuts, and Olives Hospitality received the Nuovo restaurant all-alcohol, victualer and entertainment licenses at 92 Shrewsbury Street. Paku Paku, the Italian American World War Veterans Post 3 items, Grill and Green Kitchen and L&D Enterprises were postponed to August 6, and the Commission voted to bring in Victory Bar and Cigar for a status hearing. The meeting adjourned at 10:55 AM.
Summary written from the official minutes; no transcript yet.
Issues discussed: Paku Paku Entertainment License (215 Chandler Street), Italian American World War Veterans Post 3 (14 Itam Court), Victory Bar and Cigar (56 Shrewsbury Street)
Official Minutes
Posted on PrimeGov (summary of actions, not verbatim). Page headers, page numbers and boilerplate removed.
License Commission
Meeting Minutes
July 23, 2026
Attendance:
Commissioners Present:
Anthony Vigliotti, Chair
Charran Fisher, Commissioner
Maritza Cruz, Commissioner
Commissioners Absent:
Staff Present:
Sgt. Thomas Needham, Worcester Police Department
Amanda Moran, Law Department
Deborah Steele, Licensing
Minutes: July 9, 2026
Upon a roll call vote the Commission voted 3-0 to approve the July 9, 2026, License Commission
minutes.
Requests for Continuances, Extensions, Postponements, & Withdrawals
One Day Liquor & Entertainment Requests
1. Pride Worcester, 28 Franklin Street
Request for one day liquor license
Request for one day entertainment license for dancing by patrons, tv, live music,
recorded music
• Saturday-September 12, 2026- 2:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.
Ariana Dello Stritto, participating remotely, stated that this is for their annual festival. Alcohol will
be served by certified bartenders; they have police present for the event and they will use same
footprint as previous year. Ms. Dello Stritto stated that there will be road closure and working with
DPW on that.
Upon a roll call vote the Commission voted 3-0 to approve the one-day liquor and entertainment
licenses.
List of Exhibits:
Exhibit A: Application for one day liquor license received and dated May 5, 2026.
Exhibit B: Application for one day entertainment license received and dated May 5, 2026.
2. Shrewsbury Street Italian Heritage Parade, East Park
Request for one day entertainment license for live music, amplification system
• Sunday-October 11, 2026-1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.
Maria Stella Fiore, participating remotely, stated this is request for entertainment for parade.
Upon a roll call vote the Commission voted 3-0 to approve the one-day entertainment license.
List of Exhibits: Application for one day entertainment license received and dated July 8, 2026.
3. Green Hill Neighborhood Block Party, Grant Square Park
Request for one day entertainment license for DJ
• Saturday August 1, 2026-1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. rain date August 2, 2026
Winifred Octave and Councilor Rob Bilotta, participating remotely, on behalf of item. Ms. Octave
stated that this is request for DJ that will attend the event at the park.
Upon a roll call vote the Commission voted 3-0 to approve the one-day entertainment license.
List of Exhibits: Application for one day entertainment license received and dated July 7, 2026.
4. Ecotarium, 222 Harrington Way
Request for one day liquor license
• Tuesday-July 28, 2026-5:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m.
Alexis Rapport, participating remotely, stated that this a private event and expecting about 50
people.
Upon a roll call vote the Commission voted 3-0 to approve the one day liquor license.
List of Exhibits: Application for one day liquor license received and dated July 7, 2026.
5. Richard Perna, 1 College Street
Request for one day liquor license
• Saturday-August 29, 2026-2:30 p.m.-7:00 p.m.
• Saturday-September 19, 2026-1:00 p.m.-5:30 p.m.
• Saturday-October 24, 2026-Noon-4:30 p.m.
• Saturday-October 31, 2026-Noon-4:30 p.m.
• Saturday-November 14, 2026-11:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
• Saturday-November 21, 2026-11:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Richard Perna, participating remotely, stated that this for football events and they will have security,
TIPS certified bartenders.
Upon a roll call vote the Commission voted 3-0 to approve the one day liquor licenses.
List of Exhibits: Application for one day liquor license received and dated July 9, 2026.
6. Massachusetts Organization of African Descendents, Worcester Common
Request for one day liquor license
Request for one day entertainment license for dancing by patrons, dancing by
entertainers, live music, play, moving picture show
• Saturday-August 1, 2026-Noon-7:30 p.m.
Jeroma Komorah, participating remotely, stated they are looking for a one day liquor and
entertainment license and celebrating FIFA. She stated that they are expecting 1,000 to 3,000
people. She stated that they will have WPD for security. She stated that they will have stanchions for
beer garden and will have TIPS certified bartenders.
Sgt. Needham asked if the road closure had been applied for. Ms. Kormrah stated that they had
been.
Upon a roll call vote the Commission voted 3-0 to approve the one-day liquor and entertainment
licenses.
List of Exhibits:
Exhibit A: Application for one day liquor license received and dated July 15, 2026.
Exhibit B: Application for one day entertainment license received and dated July 15, 2025.
7. HHS-DYO_Casita Cultura Latina, Institute Park
Request for one day liquor license
Request for one day entertainment license for dancing by patrons, dancing by
entertainers, live music, amplification system, any other audio or visual show whether
live or recorded specifically
• Saturday-October 24, 2026-10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. rain date November 1, 2026
Anna VR, participating remotely, stated that there will be a designated area for alcohol and food
vendors.
Chair Vigliotti asked where the alcohol would be purchased and Commission was unfamiliar with the
vendor. Commissioner Cruz requested application be continued for two weeks as event not until Fall.
Upon a roll call vote the Commission voted 3-0 to postpone the application to the August 6, 2026.
8. Cam Brigham, 48 Green Street
Request for one day liquor license (outside)
• July 24, 2026 -9:00 p.m. – 1:30 a.m.
Cam Brigham, participating remotely, stated that there will be security inside and outside for the
event and he will also try to obtain a police detail.
Upon a roll call vote the Commission voted 3-0 to approve the one day liquor license.
List of Exhibits: Application for one day liquor license received and dated July 7, 2026.
9. The Cellular Connection, 68 Stafford Street
Request for one day entertainment license for dancing by entertainers, recorded
music, live music, dj
• Sunday-July 26, 2026-1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.
No one appeared for meeting.
10. Hiroshima Commemoration, Elm Park
Request for one day entertainment license for live music, amplification system
• Thursday-August 6, 2026-6:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m.
Claire Schaeffer-Duffy, participating remotely, stated that she is looking to apply for one day event
for this Hiroshima Commemoration event being held at Elm Park.
Upon a roll call vote the Commission voted 3-0 to approve the one-day entertainment license.
List of Exhibits: Application for one day entertainment license received and dated July 17, 2026.
11. Casa Cultural Dominicana Worcester, 126 Salisbury Street
Request for one day liquor license
Request for one day entertainment license for live music, dancing by entertainers,
amplification system
• Saturday-September 5, 2026-11:00 a.m. -7:00 p.m.
Delio Fernandez appeared upon behalf of the application. Mr. Fernadez stated that they will have
roped off area for alcohol and there will be designated fenced area for the beer. They will have a
police officer and a security guard to check ID. There will be bathrooms at the park and will also
being ordering five more porta potties. He stated they expect between 300-500 people. The beer
garden will not hold more than 25 people at a time.
Sgt. Needham stated Mr. Fernadez may want to work with the police on directing the traffic.
Upon a roll call vote the Commission voted 3-0 to approve the one day liquor and entertainment
licenses.
List of Exhibits:
Exhibit A: Application for one day liquor license received and dated July 15, 2026.
Exhibit B: Application for one day entertainment license received and dated July 15, 2026.
12. Royal Ladies Garden Party, Institute Park
Request for one day entertainment license for recorded music, DJ
• Sunday-August 2, 2026-2:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
No one appeared for meeting.
13. Brazilian Festival of Worcester, Institute Park
Request for one day entertainment license for live music, amplification system
• Sunday-September 13, 2026-10:00 a.m. -6:00 p.m. rain date September 20, 2026
Suely DiBara appeared upon behalf of the application. She stated that this is for their annual festival
and the organization is looking to obtain the entertainment license.
Upon a roll call vote the Commission voted 3-0 to approve the entertainment license.
List of Exhibits: Application for one day entertainment license received and dated July 15, 2026.
Common Victualer Requests
14. Quinsigamond Gas & Market, LLC, 75 Quinsigamond Avenue
Sunday Operating Hours*
24/7
Monday Operating Hours*
24/7
Tuesday Operating Hours*
24/7
Wednesday Operating Hours*
24/7
Thursday Operating Hours*
24/7
Friday Operating Hours*
24/7
Saturday Operating Hours*
24/7
A representative from Quinsigamond Market appeared upon behalf of the application. He stated
that they will be putting in a chicken franchise in location.
Upon a roll call vote the Commission voted 3-0 to approve the common victualer license.
List of Exhibits: Application for common victualer license received and dated June 26, 2026.
15. Dippin Donuts, 75 Quinsigamond Avenue
Sunday Operating Hours*
05:00 AM - 07:00 PM
Monday Operating Hours*
05:00 AM - 07:00 PM
Tuesday Operating Hours*
05:00 AM - 07:00 PM
Wednesday Operating Hours*
05:00 AM - 07:00 PM
Thursday Operating Hours*
05:00 AM - 07:00 PM
Friday Operating Hours*
05:00 AM - 07:00 PM
Saturday Operating Hours*
05:00 AM - 07:00 PM
Gjerji Disho appeared upon behalf of the application. He stated that he will be opening a Dippin Donuts
at location.
Upon a roll call vote the Commission voted 3-0 to approve the common victualer license.
List of Exhibits: Application for common victualer license received and dated July 8, 2026.
Alcohol/Entertainment Requests
16. Paku Paku, Inc., 215 Chandler Street
Request for entertainment license for tv, amplification system, karaoke, DJ
Upon a roll call vote the Commission voted 3-0 to postpone the application to the August 6, 2026,
License Commission meeting.
17. Italian American World War Veterans of the US Inc. Post 3, 14 Itam Court
Request for change of manager
Upon a roll call vote the Commission voted 3-0 to postpone the application to the August 6, 2026,
License Commission meeting.
18. Worcester Marine Corps League, 181 Lake Avenue
Request for live music on Sunday from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. outside from July 26,
2026 through October 11, 2026-
David from the Marine Corps League appeared upon behalf of the item. He stated that they are
looking to continue the entertainment they received approval for in the Spring.
Upon a roll call vote the Commission voted 3-0 to approve the remaining dates.
19. Olives Hospitality, LLC, 92 Shrewsbury Street
• Request for transfer of restaurant all alcohol license from Brick House, LLC dba
Nuovo
• Request for common victualer license
• Request for entertainment license for tv, radio, dancing by patrons, dancing by
entertainers, recorded music, live music, amplification system, play, moving picture
show, floor show, light show, theatrical exhibition, karaoke
Arber Gozhina appeared upon behalf of the applications. He stated that he is looking to transfer the
licenses from Nuovo.
Upon a roll call vote the Commission voted 3-0 to approve the transfer of the restaurant all alcohol
license, common victualer license and entertainment license.
List of Exhibits:
Exhibit A: Application for transfer of restaurant all alcohol license received and dated June 2, 2026.
Exhibit B: Application for common victualer license received and dated June 2, 2026.
Exhibit C: Application for entertainment license received and dated June 2, 2026.
20. Grill and Green Kitchen, Inc. 141 Highland Street
• Request for restaurant all alcohol license
Upon a roll call vote the Commission voted 3-0 to postpone the application to the August 6, 2026,
License Commission meeting.
21. L&D Enterprises LLC, 5 Saugus Place,
• Request for transfer of restaurant all alcohol license from Suveroo LLC
Upon a roll call vote the Commission voted 3-0 to postpone the application to the August 6, 2026,
License Commission meeting.
Status Hearings
22. Italian American World War Vets of The US, 14 Itam Court
Failure to file amendment paperwork
Upon a roll call vote the Commission voted 3-0 to postpone the item to the August 6, 2026, License
Commission meeting.
23. Myron Katz, 667 Main Street
Status of corrections on lodging house license
Upon a roll call vote the Commission voted 3-0 to file the item.
Violation Hearings
none
Communications
• Email from manager Marine Corps League resigning position -file
• ABCC liquor license quotas-City of Worcester-file
Other Business
Upon a roll call vote the Commission voted 3-0 to bring in Victory Bar, 56 Shrewsbury Street for a
status hearing.
Adjournment
Upon a roll call vote the Commission voted 3-0 to adjourn the meeting at 10:55 a.m.
Transcript
Transcript pending: YouTube captions can't be retrieved yet (see the Worcester playbook).