Franco-American Club Still Closed

BEVERLY, MA – Members of the Franco-American Club were scheduled to meet Monday to try and save the Park Street gathering place after the club's license was suspended indefinitely earlier this month.

After an Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission hearing on Oct. 11, the commission found the club did not file a list of club officers every year. Clubs are required to file such a list with officers' residence, salary, and compensation for each employee involved in handling or selling alcohol.

The ABCC requires that clubs like the Franco-American inform the commission of their officers. The local licensing board reviews the applications of the officers and votes on whether to approve them, and the ABCC reviews it. Officers are subject to thorough background checks.

The club has the right to appeal the decision within 30 days of receipt of the notice. On Oct. 12, the Franco-American Facebook announced that the club would be closed until further notice. Another Facebook post announced the members' meeting on Monday.

As the Salem News first reported, this is not the beginning of the club's worries. Allegations of gambling shut the club down for two days in June, and a former president of the club – William Gates – pleaded not guilty to charges of larceny and fraud.