April 16, 2010 – Mayor Domenic J. Sarno directed the City’s law department to issue a Cease and Desist letter to Pananche Banquet Hall on State Street after city officials learned of a Spring High School Party that had been scheduled for Friday, April 30, 2010, from 8:00 p.m. – 2:00 a.m. The letter was mailed yesterday.
The letter, issued by Assistant City Solicitor Michael E. Mulcahy, stated that “in order to conduct such an event under a pouring license, licensees are required to obtain a City of Springfield Special Event Permit from the Springfield entertainment license granting authority.” No such application has been filed for this event with the City’s entertainment licensing authority.
The event flyer (see attachment) indicates that Putnam High School, Sci-Tech, Commerce, Central High School, Chicopee High, Holyoke High Schools and others are welcome and that the event would feature DJ Daddy Monchy, DJ Cowboy, DJ Nice & Sound By DJ Ralphy; who will be spinning Reggaeton/Perreo, Hip-Hop n R&B, Bachatta, Merengue, and Salsa. The event flyer also indicated that there is “no dress code, no ID’s and no drama” and that attendees would be checked at the door and there would be cops and security in and out of the hall.
Mayor Domenic J. Sarno stated that “the City has had a policy in place for Under 21 events and in this case it has not been followed.” “The event invitation appears to be extended to hundreds of students from Springfield and surrounding communities and the only information the City has about this event is the information contained on the flyer,” stated Sarno. “The City put the Under 21 event policy in place to ensure public safety is a priority,” said Sarno. Mayor Sarno stated that “as of today, high school students who planned to attend this event and their parents should know that the event will not take place, adding that the City would review and consider the appropriate application when and if it is filed with the City.”