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THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2020 Page 3 Five bars hit with penalties for COVID violations By Christopher Roberson he Board of License Commissioners recently issued a string of penalties to bars that had violated the state’s COVID-19 regulations. During the October 1 meetT ing, Chairman Philip Antonelli said he was notifi ed on September 24 that Braza Bar & Grill was not adhering to the social distancing guidelines. Antonelli said that upon arriving at the establishment, he observed “150 to 200” customers at 42 tables. “There were more than six people at a table; some tables had 10 or 12,” he said. Prior to the meeting, the board had informed every establishment that they need to close by 11 p.m. “Nothing was slowing down; at 20 minutes off 11 it was business as usual like if they had a 1 o’clock license,” said Antonelli. In addition, he said, the fi re alarm was pulled and Braza was cited by the Everett Fire Department for being overcrowded. “There were a multitude of events going on,” said Antonelli. In response, manager Paul Duarte said only six customers are allowed at each table and that no more than 90 customers were in the building at that time. “This is the biggest restaurant in Everett,” he said, adding that Braza has 8,000 to 10,000 square feet of space. Duarte also said his tables are spaced six feet apart. “I can show you the way I’ve set up my tables,” he said. However, Antonelli said Fire Department personnel observed approximately 100 customers in the building that night. “Paul, I have pictures of everyone at the bar,” he said. “You put yourself in this situation. The place was packed, there was no social distancing – this is serious.” Ward 6 Councillor Michael McLaughlin said a precedent needs to be set to prevent future COVID violations. “I am frustrated and furious,” he said. “I ask you to take the harshest penalties you can, do whatever it is you need to do.” Yet, Duarte continued his protest. “If I need to close, I cannot be here for a long time; I’m going to shut the doors forever – I feel discriminated [against],” he said. “I’ve never had problems before – it’s not fair.” However, Antonelli did not agree, as he recalled the fatal shooting that occurred at Braza in August 2015. “Paul, please, we had someone get killed in front of the establishment; we’ve had people drinking from bottles,” he said. “You can’t tell me there’s no problems. I’m trying to be fair, but you want to push the envelope. I’m enforcing the rules of the governor.” The board’s initial action was to limit Braza to takeout service from October 2 through October 4. However, given Duarte’s ongoing resistance, the board voted to close the establishment for a full week starting on October 9. Takeout service will be permitted. Duarte will also be required to submit a COVID plan to the board. Ward 2 Councillor Stephanie Martins said she is opposed to the 11:00 closing time. “Especially where we have the casino open the whole night, it makes no sense for a customer to start their fun and have it interrupted,” she said. “We have a huge competitor down the street.” In contrast, the hearing for Rob Jacks Bar & Restaurant was much more straightforward. Antonelli said Dennis Keefe and Nicole Smith, investigators with the state Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission, discovered that neither manager Louis Flores nor any of his employees or customers were wearing masks. “I take responsibility for the report,” said Flores. Antonelli also said this was the fi rst time that Rob Jacks has had an infraction. “You’ve been a patron in good standing,” he said. Therefore, the board will require Flores to submit a COVID plan and that the establishment be put on probation for the remainder of WE'RE OPEN! 8 Norwood Street, Everett (617) 387-9810 STAY SAFE! the year. During the hearing for La Fania Restaurante & Bar, Keefe and Smith reported that they observed customers singing karaoke, which is not permitted at this time. Owner Kilder Cardova maintained that it was just an announcement. He said there has been no karaoke since La Fania reopened in July. “I take this very seriously,” he said, adding that he is FIVE BARS | SEE PAGE 19 www.eight10barandgrille.com We Have Reopened for Dine-In and Outside Seating every day beginning at 4 PM

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