April 18, 2013 - Springfield, MA – Mayor Domenic J. Sarno’s comments on the Springfield License Commission’s 3-2 vote against a 1:00 AM closing time for pouring establishments; “I am very disappointed in the License Commission’s vote. My Administration has been steadfast in continuing to combat these establishments that cater to underage patrons, gangbangers and weapon caring thugs. Our initiative in strong control of entertainment licenses has worked. The Springfield Police Department’s stats show a substantial decrease in crime with the way we are dealing with these establishments. Now let’s see if the current License Commission has the intestinal fortitude in backing the Administration’s tough stance in the name of public safety, good business practice and a better reputation of our City.”
For instance, immediately following the 1:00 AM closing time vote, the License Commission held a hearing on a downtown establishment who is a repeat offender. Springfield Police Officers arrived on scene initially on a call because of a gun and an altercation occurring outside of the bar. When officers entered the establishments at 3:15 AM people were present in the bar without permissible purposes and bottles were on the bar, both would be considered major violations. The City’s suggested discipline was a 10 day license suspension with five days to serve; the Commission settled on a 6 day suspension with one day to serve.
Mayor Domenic Sarno is calling on the License Commission to get tough with the establishments that do not want to play by the rules.
Mayor Sarno stated “In the City of Springfield we have many establishments that work hard, play by the rules and run good businesses. My Administration is looking for a partner that will help in turning the tide of negative attention the Entertainment District has been attracting in an effort so that good tides will raise all ships instead of a few bad apples bringing everyone down.”