Business & Tech

Back Taxes Put The Black Lobster's Liquor License in Limbo

The Black Lobster must pay the back taxes it owes the city before the end of the year or it will lose its liquor license.


The Salem Licensing Board voted not to renew The Black Lobster's liquor license at their Monday night and instead approved a motion to renew the license only if the restaurant pays the $25,000 it owes the city in back taxes before the end of the year.

The motion approved by board members Monday night requires that the Bridge Street restaurant pay the $25,000 it owes before noon on Dec. 31. Failure to do so will mean the owner will have to reapply for a license.

Following the vote, Det. Sgt. James Page also noted an active police investigation into a complaint regarding "illegalities on the premises" at The Black Lobster.

Page said the complaint stems from a reported brawl outside of the restaurant in the early-morning hours on Nov. 28.

At 12:56 a.m., police responding to a report of a large fight outside of the restaurant reportedly found a crowd of between 50 and 75 people watching two men fight in the parking lot.

London Burton, 21, of 7 Central St., Beverly, was arrested on charges of resisting arrest and disorderly conduct. William J. Keenan, 24, of 82 Webb St., Salem, was arrested on charges of disorderly conduct and assault and battery. Matthew N. Pereira, 21, of 64 Butler St., Salem, was arrested on a charge of disorderly conduct.

A police officer was reportedly injured making an arrest during the incident and was out of work for four days, Page said.

The board scheduled a hearing regarding the police investigation for their next meeting on Jan. 13. A representative of The Black Lobster is expected to attend that meeting.

Salem Patch will post additional information as it becomes available. 


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