After denying the transfer of a liquor license to a Shrewsbury man partly because of his character, the Northboro Board of Selectmen has approved the license transfer, but with conditions, reported the Worcester Telegram. The Board’s decision follows an ABCC reversal of the Board’s earlier decision to deny the license.
In March, the board denied the license transfer for Celtic Tavern, a Route 9 eatery, to Christopher J. Muello, sole owner of CJ Restaurant Enterprises. Muello appealed to the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission. Following a hearing in June, the ABCC in September sided with Muello and decided the license transfer should be approved.
The Board of Selectmen then appealed the ABCC decision in Superior Court, but also asked town counsel to seek a settlement with Mr. Muello, the Telegram reported.
The compromise accepted by both sides is a transfer of the liquor license with the following conditions: Mr. Muello cannot serve as the manager of the restaurant, and unless otherwise approved by the board, Mr. Muello cannot prepare or serve food, alcohol or other beverages at the restaurant.
The board voted 4-0 to transfer the license, with Selectman William J. Pantazis abstaining. The board plans to drop its court appeal.
Muello is on probation until January for a charge of reckless driving. He was found not guilty of drunken driving.
