The owners of the Apollo Restaurant suffered a setback when their bid for a liquor license—intended for a planned function hall in the former Orent Bros. store on Washington Street in Norwood Center—failed on a 2-2 tie vote by the Board of Selectmen.
Owners argued that the license would only be utilized during active functions. However, selectmen Walter Dempsey and Joseph Curran strongly opposed the expansion, voicing long-standing opposition to commercial alcohol on the town’s primary commercial corridor. “I’ve been opposed to booze on the main drag all my life,” Dempsey stated. Conversely, selectmen Thomas Riolo and John Kinnaly voted in favor, with Kinnaly noting, “Knowing the people involved and the way the place is run, I think it would be a good idea and a boon to the town… we definitely need another function room.”
The board agreed to reconsider the application when Selectman William Butters is present to potentially break the deadlock, though Curran noted Butters may face a conflict of interest due to owning a pharmacy that sells liquor. The statutory 30-day decision deadline expires today, prompting the board to consult town counsel regarding a possible extension. Attorney John J. Mulvehill, representing the Apollo’s owners, stated uncertainty regarding future plans for the property if the license is denied. Meanwhile, a separate liquor license application for the Peking Imperial Restaurant, also on Washington Street, was withdrawn by attorney Jack Weber on behalf of owner Sam Choy due to technical application defects and missing architectural plans showing required entrances and exits.
In other municipal business, selectmen granted Analab Inc. of 59 Davis Ave. a permit to store isopropyl alcohol and denatured alcohol for industrial cleaning agents, and formally approved the warrant for a Special Town Meeting scheduled for September 22.
Archival Note: This article has been dynamically reconstructed from the original public record print archives of the Patriot Ledger
More…
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Selectmen Vote to Ban “Brown-Bagging” of Alcohol in All Local Restaurants-October 16, 1986
Patrons accustomed to bringing their own wine or beer to local dining establishments will soon have to change their habits. The Board of Selectmen voted last night to institute a comprehensive ban prohibiting customers from carrying alcoholic beverages into any eating place in Norwood—stretching from fast-food chains like McDonald’s and Burger King to local Chinese…
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Selectmen Deny Apollo Restaurant Liquor License on Split Vote-September 4, 1986
The owners of the Apollo Restaurant suffered a setback when their bid for a liquor license—intended for a planned function hall in the former Orent Bros. store on Washington Street in Norwood Center—failed on a 2-2 tie vote by the Board of Selectmen. Owners argued that the license would only be utilized during active functions.…
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South Norwood Liquor License Transfer to Can Connection Approved-August 21, 1985
Norwood selectmen approve the transfer of a beer and wine license to the Can Connection on Washington Street despite neighborhood concerns.
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Residents and Selectmen Target South Norwood’s Bar Concentration-August 10, 1985
Residents and selectmen are working to revitalize South Norwood’s “The Flats” Washington Street commercial strip while exploring legal options to revoke inactive bar licenses.
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Selectmen Vote Unanimously to Support State Ban On “Happy Hours”-August 22, 1984
Citing concerns over drunk driving, Norwood selectmen voted 4-0 to support the ABCC’s statewide initiative to eliminate discounted bar “happy hours” and promotional drink pricing.
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El Torito Legal Counsel Seeks Improved Relations with Norwood Selectmen-July 11, 1984
El Torito Restaurant and Norwood Selectmen On July 11, 1984, Attorney Mark Fitzsimmons of Weymouth appeared before the Norwood Board of Selectmen representing the El Torito restaurant on Route 1, requesting a fresh start in the relationship between the establishment and town leadership. Acknowledging past tensions, Fitzsimmons pledged the restaurant’s full cooperation in addressing community…
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Shamrock Pub Owner Michael T. Gunning Receives Encouragement Instead of Reprimand from Selectmen-October 6, 1982
Norwood selectmen offer encouragement rather than discipline to Shamrock Pub owner Michael T. Gunning following neighborhood police reports.
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Selectmen Vote 3-2 to Lease Old Town Firehouse for New Restaurant Development-September 29, 1982
Norwood selectmen vote 3-2 to lease the old fire station behind Town Hall to Carla Foley for conversion into Carla’s Dining Room and Cafe, bringing Italian dining to the town center.
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Sole Proposal to Lease Historic Old Fire Station for Italian Restaurant Draws Mixed Selectmen Response-September 22, 1982
Carla Foley submits the sole bid to lease Norwood’s historic old fire station for a new Italian restaurant, sparking debate among selectmen over municipal needs.
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Building Inspector Takes Blame for Permit Snafu as Restaurant Expansion and Solar Home Plans Come Before Board—September 23, 1981
Norwood building inspector takes blame for a restaurant remodeling permit oversight, while the zoning board reviews expansions for The Nicholas and a novel solar home.
Archival Note: This article has been dynamically reconstructed from the original public record print archives of the Patriot Ledger
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