WORCESTER—Bars and restaurants in the city can, after approval from the license commission, offer bottle service to patrons.
After weeks of reviewing a request to return the VIP service to Worcester, and with commission chairman Anthony Vigliotti absent from the meeting, Commissioners Charran Fisher and Maritza Cruz voted to allow bottle service.
Commissioners are expected to finalize their policies for the bottle service permits at the March 28 meeting and after that, businesses can apply to offer the service.
Vigliotti had expressed concerns about allowing bottle service, which permits bars and restaurants to sell bottles of spirits for consumption at a table. The service is overseen by a hostess assigned to pour the alcohol and monitor consumption.
Mark Borenstein of Bowditch Attorneys made the original request weeks ago after noting that one of his clients has seen an increase in requests for the service.
Other bar and restaurant owners also told the commission they were in favor and believed the premium service might help struggling businesses.
City Councilor Khrystian King wrote to the commission expressing his desire for the service to be allowed again. King said he agreed that the move would help businesses which have been struggling and could increase their profitability.
King said he was sure the commission would closely monitor the process and provide, “Diligent oversight.”
Commissioners agreed that they would mete out harsh punishments for those who violate the rules.
Many of those in favor said they’ve seen patrons head to Boston and Providence because bottle service is offered in those cities.
A representative from Creed Lounge said bottle service would fit well in post-pandemic times because patrons often choose to sit at tables rather than the bar and they stay in small groups. While the bar would make more money selling individual drinks, he said, offering bottle service could be safer, pointing to situations where things are slipped into drinks.
Julius Kumah of Noamesco Bar & Lounge on Pleasant Street again spoke in favor after telling commissioners his customers have been heading to other cities since Worcester banned bottle service
Commissioners said they won’t set blanket rules for bottle service but will review each application individually.
The city law department had prepared recommendations and said they will finalize the applications for the March 28 meeting.
Businesses wishing to offer bottle service would submit a proposal that could include how many tables would be available for bottle service, the number of patrons per table and how staff would be assigned to provide the service.
Borenstein said he believes there has to be flexibility because every restaurant and bar is different when it comes to capacity and square footage.
Commissioners will review the law department’s proposal on March 28 and once approved, businesses can begin submitting their proposals.
Kim Ring fell into journalism in the 1980s as a correspondent at the Telegram & Gazette and eventually left her initial career to pursue reporting full-time. In her years of writing, she has penned articles for several Massachusetts-based publications, taking a brief hiatus to work as chief of staff for a state representative. She can be reached at Kimringwrites@gmail.com
