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Date: 12/15/2022
EAST LONGMEADOW – The East Longmeadow Town Council Licensing Committee discussed potential licensing issues regarding the restaurant Craft 32, 53 North Main St., when they met on Dec. 8.
Town Clerk Jeanne Quaglietti, who is also the clerk of the council, said the business has been sold to John Sullivan and Joseph Sullivan, who also own Nathan Bill’s Bar and Restaurant in Springfield. An application to transfer the liquor license has been received, but it contains several errors and information that needs to be clarified, she said.
The new name for the business listed on the forms is East Village Tavern, but Councilor Kathleen Hill noted that the word “tavern” may be problematic, as bars are not allowed in town, nor is alcohol advertisement. To this point, Fazio noted that Craft 32 currently has illuminated lights advertising alcohol brands for sale.
Fire Chief Paul Morrisette said he must address capacity issues with the new owners before they can open. He explained that in the wake of the 2003 Station nightclub fire in Rhode Island, Massachusetts adopted regulations for businesses that have a “high occupant load density,” and “at least two of the following: low lighting levels, music generating above-normal sound levels, nighttime operating hours, tables and seating that create ill-defined aisles, a specific area designated for dancing or service facilities for beverages with limited food service.” A crowd management staff is one of the provisions required.
A related matter discussed by the Licensing Committee is the parking at Craft 32. People have been known to park across the street in the Rocky’s Hardware lot and walk over to the restaurant, which can create a traffic hazard on North Main Street.
Quaglietti and Fazio both spoke about recent changes to the restaurant’s menu and flooring that may have indicated the Sullivans began taking over the business before the transfer process was approved by the Town Council.
Police Lieutenant Steven Manning later visited the business to make sure the manager of record was still on the premises and in charge during the restaurant’s hours of operation. Quaglietti told Reminder Publishing that Manning confirmed Craft 32 was still operating under the existing manager and that the business is getting ready for the shift in ownership.
Reminder Publishing reached out to John Sullivan and Joseph Sullivan for comment but did not receive a response.