Celtic Tavern Struggles to Stay Open Without Alcohol License

If you're thinking of going out on the town for St. Patrick's Day Weekend, chances are you've thought of heading to the decidedly Irish in Northborough. But, as of now, the Tavern isn't serving Guinness, or any alcohol at all.

Effective March 2, the Massachusetts Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission suspended the Celtic Tavern's alcohol license indefinitely, according to a report by the commission's investigation unit. 

An investigation by the ABCC, which began after an anonymous tip in January of last year concluded, among other findings, that the restaurant is "owned by an individual other than the licencee whose name is listed on the liquor license," according to the report. It was clear, stated the report, that KLLR Foods had "transferred the license without proper approval."

The license was issued to Kenneth Koury, and the ABBC concluded after speaking with a manager and bartender that they were hired by Niche Hospitality and paid by CJ Restaurant.

Operated by the corporation KLLR Foods, the Celtic Tavern changed its business name from West Side Grille to the Celtic Tavern in October of 2009.

The ABCC's investigation also showed that the licencee has not been in compliance with the Fair Share Employer Contribution since 2009.

KLLR Foods, dba Celtic Tavern, has the right to appeal the decision to the Superior Courts within 30 days of the decision.

According to several local musicians, live music, too, has been canceled at the Celtic Tavern for the unforseeable future.

After numerous calls to the Celtic Tavern, a manager offered, "We’re trying to stay open. We can only stay open with food, and we’re trying to tough it out. Will we make it to St. Patrick's Day without a license? Probably not. We weren’t prepared for this. St. Patrick’s Day is the busiest for this restaurant, but this is driving the nail deeper. We’re trying to get this resolved but we’re not having much luck." 

Representatives from the Tavern also commented that the issue is "more than a year and a half old," and that they are working on a resolution. So far, the lack of alcohol sales has accounted for a some 75 percent loss in revenue for the restaurant. 

Visit Northborough Patch for updates on this story.