Six Arlington restaurants, one of them facing a first offense after more than 30 years in town, must close for varying periods after two undercover minors reported alcohol violations.
The pair, working with an Arlington detective, tested all of the restaurants in town that serve alcohol as well as liquor stores.
The minors had no IDs when they attempted to order drinks, selectmen were told. If they were served, they did not drink, police said.
The Board of Selectmen on Monday, July 22, voted on punishments based on town guidelines and the owners’ responses to steps they would take to improve.
Those facing second offenses served underage customers in last year’s undercover operation were (all suspensions start Thursday, Sept. 5):
Manna House, 9A Medford St., which had its alcohol license suspended at least 10 consecutive days and indefinitely thereafter until written steps outlining prevention are submitted to the board and approved, something that could occur at its Aug. 19 meeting.
Sweet Chili, 470-472 Mass. Ave., which had alcohol license suspended eight consecutive days.
Sabzi, 352A Mass. Ave., which had its alcohol license suspended eight consecutive days.
Those facing first offenses were Shanghai Village Restaurant, 434-436 Mass. Ave., whose alcohol license was suspended at least four consecutive days and indefinitely thereafter until written preventative steps are submitted to the board and approved.
Szechuan’s Dumpling, 1360 Mass. Ave., whose alcohol license was suspended at least four consecutive days and indefinitely thereafter until written preventative steps are submitted to the board and approved.
Not Your Average Joe’s, 645 Mass. Ave., whose alcohol license was suspended three days in September (the restaurant will choose the days).
During Shanghai Village’s hearing, Selectmen Chairman Daniel Dunn asked the manager a number of times what concrete steps she would take toward fixing the problem. She said she was willing but declined to provide specifics, to which Dunn expressed surprise.
The restaurant dates to the late 1970s and was among the first in town to serve alcohol. Its manager said it had never faced a violation until now.
All penalties passed unanimously, 3-0, with Dunn, Joseph Curro Jr. and Steven Byrne in attendance. Absent were Diane Mahon and Kevin Greeley.
This story was published Wednesday, July 24, 2013.
