Stoughton Selectmen Holding Whiplash License Hearing Wednesday

Stoughton selectmen, upon the urging of Stoughton police, will hold a hearing Wednesday, May 8 at 7 p.m. to discuss the status of Whiplash's licenses.

In the wake of the early morning shooting which took place outside Whiplash nightclub on Wyman St. in Stoughton April 21, Police Chief Paul Shastany and Executive Officer (now Deputy Chief) Robert Devine appeared before selectmen April 23 and recommended selectmen take "aggressive" and "bold" action against the club's licenses.

Devine highlighted a number of violent incidents at the club since July, which culminated in a string of recent activity which included a large brawl with multiple arrests on April 14 and the shooting, which sent two to the hospital on April 21.

"It is a fact that Whiplash, whether knowingly or unknowingly, is attracting known criminal gangs from Boston,” Shastany said. “We cannot tolerate a business that brings violence to our town."

The Chief asked the Board to revoke the club's entertainment license; suspend the alcohol license for a long period of time; and to modify the hours of operation and service of alcoholic beverages by imposing a closing time of 11 p.m.

Selectmen, needing to give the business 10 days advance notice, voted to hold a hearing May 8. Club owner Daniel Silva has been invited to attend this hearing, and is allowed to being legal counsel at his expense. 

The hearing will take place in the Great Hall (third floor) of the Town Hall.

An agenda for the meeting can be found here: 5-8-13 agenda.pdf 

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