Bullfinch's Restaurant Dodges Suspension Over Liquor License Violation

The owners of Bullfinch's Restaurant are breathing a sigh of relief after receiving just a warning from the Board of Selectmen regarding a liquor license violation on Feb. 21.

At the request of acting Police Chief Scott Nix, the Board agreed a suspension was not warranted after the restaurant's second failed compliance check in 15 years.

"I’m really mortified that this happened to us," said owner Peggy Richardson. "It's been a long time."

No one from Bullfinch's was present to answer questions during the Board's April 23 meeting, but the Board gave the owners 30 days to be in attendance before making its ruling.

According to Nix, three minors ages 18 to 19 years old walked into three restaurants that day in an attempt to buy liquor.

"We're not to trying to mortify anyone," he said. "We're trying to engage businesses and have them be aware of the circumstances. They were nothing but cooperative and professional and wanted to put it on themselves to improve."

Nix added that given the restaurant's past practices, a warning was justified. The restaurant will be required to provide documentation that its staff is TIPS certified.

"We’re not interested in hurting the business," Chairman Larry O'Brien said.

"It was a wake-up call," Richardson said. "We try to do everything right. This makes us realize we have to be diligent. We're going to do the Fenway Park rule and ask everyone (for ID)."

Selectman John Drobinski said looking out for the well-being of young people was important in making this decision.

"I've known you a long time, Peggy ... you are a well-respected person," Drobinski said. "The last thing any of us want is a young person being hurt. We just want to work together."

Oishii Too was also given a warning for its first violation and ordered its servers to be recertified in TIPS training.

The other restaurants to fail the compliance, Acalpulcos, received a one-day liquor license suspension. O'Brien said that was recently served.

Selectman Bob Haarde was not present at the May 21 meeting.