As the license renewal process wound down for several local businesses, a unique situation with the Hopkinton Center for the Arts prompted a heated exchange between Select Board members Matthew Kizner and Brian Herr at Tuesday’s Select Board meeting.

The license renewal process was supposed to conclude by Dec. 31. But outstanding town inspections and tardy submittals from some applicants stretched out the process, noted chair Joe Clark.

“I know the town has been working diligently to get through all of these,” Clark said. “It’s just been a busy part of the year.”

Before discussing the HCA, the board voted unanimously to renew and release the following licenses:

• All alcohol and associated licenses for Cornell’s Irish Pub on Hayden Rowe Street;
• All alcohol and associated licenses for Rapscallion Kitchen and Bar on South Street;
• A common victualer’s (CV) license for Domino’s on Main Street;
• A farmer brewery pouring permit that was renewed for Start Line Brewing Company on Hayden Rowe Street;
• A CV license for Blue Square Pizza on Main Street;
• All alcohol and associated licenses for Hopkinton Country Club on Saddle Hill Road;
• All alcohol and associated licenses for Ko Sushi and Grill on Hayward Street;
• All alcohol and associated licenses for Arcos Cucina + Bar on Main Street;
• A CV license for Red Barn Coffee at Angel’s Café on West Main Street;
• A CV license for Hop-Yo on Main Street.

Town Manager Elaine Lazarus noted that there was “nothing outstanding” with these businesses in regard to inspections, reports or background checks. She thanked these businesses for complying with the extended deadline.

HCA presents ‘unique’ dilemma

The HCA’s alcohol license needed to be renewed by Feb. 5 in order to meet the state’s deadline. Clark said there was a “really unique circumstance” because of a state policy that was implemented in July 2025 regarding fire prevention.

Christopher McWhite, the director of municipal inspections, explained that the issue was with the inspection process for emergency lighting to obtain the alcohol and entertainment licenses. He noted that in the past, emergency lighting had to be tested only to make sure it functioned.

Hopkinton Fire Chief Gary Daugherty added that the law requires emergency lights to stay on for 90 minutes after the power is shut down. Daugherty said the test is scheduled for Friday. The bulbs and batteries that need to be replaced will be done at that time.

Amy Ritterbusch said the motion suggested by town counsel stated that the HCA’s alcohol and related license be renewed “on the condition that no events or activities will be required or conducted until the remaining fire and building inspections are resolved.”

Safety concern sparks debate

Kizner took exception to the conditional approval. He stressed that the “necessary inspections to verify emergency services at this facility” had not yet been completed. Kizner also expressed concerns for staff safety and town liability, saying that the situation “feels like palpable risk.”

McWhite noted that there could be a “safety allowance.” This could require first responders to be at an event in case an emergency occurred.

Daugherty added, “If something’s going to happen in that building, the sprinkler system is what’s going to save us.”

Kizner continued his questions to Daugherty, McWhite and town counsel about their rationale for their decision. At that point, Herr interjected, saying the board should “move on.”

“You are not the chair!” Kizner told Herr. “Please do not end my time.”

He added that this was the second time Herr shut him down.

Said Kizner: “We need to have a conversation about the lack of professionalism.”

Clark intervened, allowing Kizner to finish his questions about clarity.

Vice chair Shahidul Mannan noted that an alcohol and entertainment license would be used at events “where there is a much higher risk in terms of a fire hazard.”

“We are making a massive mountain out of a molehill,” said Herr.

Herr pointed to the exit sign as an example of the issue the HCA is facing.

If the building is burning, he noted that people most likely would have evacuated before the 90-minute period expired.

“They’re going to change the battery and it’s done,” stressed Herr. “Can we please just take the vote?”

The board voted 4-1 in favor of granting the alcohol license with the condition that the fire safety condition mentioned be completed before the license is executed. Kizner voted against the motion.

At the end of the meeting, Kizner renewed his request for a discussion about professionalism. Herr refused to address his complaint at that time.

Aramark, Starbucks extensions granted

The board voted unanimously to grant CV license extensions until Feb. 25 to Aramark at Dell locations at 176 South Street and 228 South Street, as well as Starbucks at 85 West Main Street and in the Price Chopper supermarket at 167 West Main Street.

Aramark manager Aaron Fish said all issues at both locations were addressed, with the exception of the 90-minute lighting test.

Regional facilities manager Mark Lacasse said he proposed to Dell a “holistic replacement of all the exit signs” and is waiting to get approval. But the current lights would work on a backup generator, he added.

Lazarus noted that Starbucks was “perhaps not as responsive as other businesses.” Testing was slated to be done the following day, she said.

Clark said this may be due to the “corporate nature of the company.”

Daugherty added that there has been a history of “trouble with Starbucks” completing its requirements on time.