Peabody Albanian Club To Reopen After Permit Suspension

PEABODY, MA — The Albanian Boston Community Center on Howley Street will be allowed to reopen as of Wednesday with a new board of directors after its special permit was suspended for three months following an alcohol violation in December.

The City Council voted unanimously at its show-cause hearing on Thursday to allow the club to reopen after it agreed to change its management structure to include a new board of directors with restaurant and business experience, hire employees that would be on the premises at all times when members are there, and that no alcohol will be sold or consumed at the location.

Ward 3 City Councilor Stephanie Peach, whose ward includes the property, said she supported the club's reopening after meeting with its representatives and being assured that it would adhere to the requirements of the special permit — specifically the prohibition of alcohol.

Attorney John Keilty, who represents the club, said the club would open with the new employees on Wednesday and look to build its membership over time before deciding whether to apply for an alcohol permit at either the current location or a different one in the city.

A state inspection in December found boxes of empty beer bottles on the floor, a 15-foot bar in the common area and a refrigerator that could be used for alcohol storage.

The inspection also found beverage purchase receipts for drinks costing in excess of $6 when the club claimed it would be serving only coffee, water and specialty juices.

The City Council had the option of revoking the permit entirely, suspending the permit, leveling a fine only, or taking no action with Peach proposing the 90-day closure and conditions for permit reinstatement.

Kielty said on Thursday that the club has been closed since unsuccessfully appealing the suspension.

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)