60+ Providence businesses called to court over unrenewed licenses. What happens next.
PROVIDENCE – On Thursday afternoon, owners of more than 60 bars, restaurants and shops were summoned to Providence Probate Court for failing to renew their licenses on time.
Most business owners were given two weeks to “solve whatever problem” they’re experiencing. The owners have the option to apply for their renewal licensing through the web portal or return to court on Jan. 23. If all necessary documents are uploaded, they can skip the court appearance and will be issued a renewal license.
The city’s Board of Licenses expressed that it wanted to be lenient with parties who were present and was more concerned about businesses that have not been responsive.
“I think the City of Providence does a great job of working with people that work with us,” said the licensing board’s chairman, Dylan Conley. “But at the same time, the people that do operate well, that do pay their bills on time, that do have their insurance in place – it’d be unfair to them if we didn’t take enforcement action.”
How does licensing work?
Most of the businesses represented at Thursday’s meeting needed to renew their liquor licenses. To do so, business owners must pay a fee, submit their establishment’s layout and business plans, show proof of workers’ compensation and submit a certificate of liability insurance and a certificate of good standing from the state’s tax office.
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The board dealt first with businesses that either hadn’t submitted their insurance certificates or had demonstrated public safety concerns. Fewer than 10 businesses fell into that category, and the board granted them conditional cease-and-desist motions, meaning that once they file the needed documents, they’ll be able to continue operations in full. Until then, some will only be able to operate without alcohol service.
Will any businesses be shut down?
Conley said he doesn’t think everyone will take advantage of the two-week extensions, but he predicts a lot will. Some businesses opted to shut down altogether instead of applying for renewals, including Kin Southern Table and Toscan Social Club.
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Businesses that didn’t show up will have until 4:30 p.m. on Friday to submit their renewal applications, or they will no longer be allowed to operate. The list has some repeat customers from last year, and Conley speculates that businesses that don’t keep up with paying sales taxes throughout the year are more likely to face cash shortages when it comes time to pay licensing fees at the end of the year.
“People who don’t appear at all, we usually just give them a closure,” he said.