Page 8 THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, JUNE 18, 2021 Loyal patrons rally behind Karma Lounge By Christopher Roberson R esidents from as far away as Rhode Island recently gathered in the City Council Chambers to support the embattled hookah bar Karma Lounge. During the June 15 meeting, Assistant City Solicitor Keith Slattery said neighbors have made a series of complaints about excessive noise and fighting coming from the establishment late at night. “When we get complaints like this, we need to address it,” he said, adding that Karma has strayed from its original business plan as a hookah bar and is now more of a nightclub. On September 21, 2019, a shooting took place outside the establishment that resulted in the death of Everett resident Jarrod Harris. There was also a report earlier that year about a police officer being choked. On September 30, 2019, the Licensing Commission voted to change Karma’s closing time to midnight, to discontinue bottle service and have all quarterly tobacco sales submitted on a quarterly basis. In order for Karma to keep its tobacco license, at least 51 percent of its revenue must come from tobacco sales. Also, during the June 15 meeting, Slattery dispelled Assistant City Solicitor Keith Slattery (left) and Philip Antonelli, chairman of the Licensing Commission Varun Punj, owner of Karma Lounge, during the June 15 meeting at City Hall to discuss ongoing complaints about his hookah bar on Ferry Street. (Advocate photos by Christopher Roberson) Jacob Graham travels more than an hour from his home in Providence, R.I., to visit Karma Lounge. Police Chief Steven Mazzie Karma patron Eric Mistretta of Stoneham social media postings that accused the city of trying to close Karma. “The city is not trying to close anyone down; I want to make that very clear,” he said. In addition, Slattery said Karma’s management is responsible for calling the police should the need arise. “That does not happen,” he said, adding that there were three incidents during the weekend of June 12-13. “Some places don’t get three in a year.” However, Eric Mistretta of Stoneham said he has not witnessed any violence or unruly behavior while visiting Karma. “I’m not seeing the issues that are being raised – a nightclub environment is totally different,” he said. “Karma is an asset to the community; it should be encouraged to flourish. This business had to reinvent itself during the pandemic.” Philip Antonelli, chairman of the Licensing Commission, gave his assurance that race is never a factor when his board takes action against an establishment. “It’s not about racism. Everett is a diverse community – there’s no racism,” he said. However, Antonelli said Everett is also not the place for nightclubs. “Everett is a bedroom community; it’s not the KARMA | SEE PAGE 12
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