Licensing Board Raises Questions About a Storage Shed at Donohue's Bar and Grill

An investigation of the patio at Donohue's Bar and Grill did not turn up violations of hours or use of a outdoor bar, but the Licensing Board had questions Thursday night about a wooden storage shed erected in the patio.

The Licensing Board had requested an investigation of Donohue's patio after receiving reports that the area was being used after the allowed hours and that a bar was set up at on the patio. The initial request came in July, and at their September meeting board members learned the investigation still had not taken place. 

Watertown Police Sgt. Thomas Grady said Thursday that an investigation had been conducted and no violations were found. While there was no bar, he did find a wooden structure used for storage.

Reading from the report, Licensing Board Chairwoman Donna Doucette said the shed had no plumbing or drains, and it contained patio furniture, high chairs, silverware, napkins, take out containers and a small refrigerator with soda and about 25 bottles of beer.

While the shed is allowed, the Licensing Board said it was not informed that Donohue's was putting in the shed.

"I believe we redefined the operations of the premises, making the patio part of the license premises," Doucette said. "The construction of the shed is an alteration of the premises and I believe we should send a letter to the licensee. The change of the (area) requires a hearing."

Licensing Board member Robert Whitney said he did not think a hearing was necessary. Fellow board member George Newman said he had questions about the storage area, and he said it might be used while the patio area was open.

"My conclusion is this is more than a dormant locked storage room," Newman said. "It is used to store chairs and, as I recall, napkins and silverware and high chairs - things that would be used during the service of meals."

John "JD" Donohue, who owns Donohue's and is also a Town Councilor, said he could not comment on the Licensing Board's discussion since he was not there and had the board had not yet contacted him. 

The hearing will be held at the Licensing Board's meeting on Dec. 20, because the deadline for filing for the November meeting has passed, Doucette said.