Pawtucket's Vibe Lounge, Site Of Shooting, Up For License Hearing

PAWTUCKET, RI — The Vibe Lounge & Hookah Bar will be before the city's Board of License Commissioners on Tuesday, and the nightclub's Class B liquor license is at stake.

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Last month, a 32-year-old male patron was shot outside the 25 Broad Street bar and seriously injured. When police and medics arrived, they say a hostile crowd impeded their response efforts. Hours later, Police Chief Tina Goncalves declared the Vibe Lounge a public nuisance for "placing the public safety of our community in jeopardy." She cited multiple violations of COVID-19 rules and other recent incidents that required a police response. The bar was shut down pending a formal hearing.

According to a posted agenda, a communication from Vibe Lounge co-owner Leslie Silva will be presented at the May 11 special session of the License Commission. Information from Pawtucket Police Captain David Holden will cover incidents that occurred at the bar on April 5, 11, 18, and 23.

Vibe Lounge Pawtucket Police Memo April 23 2021 by Mary Serreze on Scribd

The special session was called by Pawtucket City Council President David P. Moran. The formal hearing will be held remotely on May 11 at 6 p.m.

Those who wish to submit public comment may do so via email, telephone, or Zoom. Emailed testimony will be accepted until Tuesday at 4 p.m. Commenters should type COUNCIL INPUT in the subject line and send their testimony to cityclerkc19@pawtucketri.com.

Those who wish to join by phone should call in five minutes before the meeting starts. The call-in number is 1-888-475-4499. If asked for a Participant ID, hit #. The Zoom meeting ID is 972 4765 23325 and the password is BLC511FH.

The April 23 shooting is under investigation by the Major Crime Unit.