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Two new liquor licenses granted

By G. Michael Dobbs

Managing Editor



SPRINGFIELD Two new liquor licenses were approved by the Board of License Commissioners at its meeting on May 11.

Robert Bolduc, CEO of Pride Convenience Inc., spoke on behalf of his company's application to put a liquor store as one of the businesses at the redeveloped site of the former Razzle's nightclub near the North End Bridge.

Bolduc said the company has begun construction on a gasoline and convenience store on the four-acre site. The liquor store would be a separate business from the convenience store.

Besides the gasoline and convenience store, Bolduc said there would be a small strip mall that will house a dry cleaning drop-off and a travel agency. His company is presently seeking another tenant, possibly a bank or a fast food franchise.

The company already has one beer and wine license at its convenience store in Sixteen Acres and Bolduc said the new business was "a natural extension for us."

There was no opposition to the application.

The application was approved and Bolduc told Reminder Publications that the complex is expected to open sometime in 2007.

Joseph Bonavita, owner of Better Life Whole Goods at 1500 Allen St., was granted a beer and wine license. Bonavita explained to the Board that he wants to offer small selection of organic wines and microbrew beers to his customers.

Bonavita said the addition would be "a supplemental item, not a main stay" for his business.

Walter Gould, president of the Outer Belt Civic Association, said his neighborhood group approved the application.

There was no opposition.