Board approves A & E Supermarket common victualler license pending fire inspection

The Lawrence Licensing Board voted to approve a common victualler license for A & E Supermarket at 513 Hampshire Street, with the approval conditioned on a satisfactory fire department inspection before the business opens fully.

Applicant Manuel Padilla told the board he purchased the business about two weeks earlier and that the location has been a supermarket in the city for 28 years. Staff said most paperwork was in order but that the fire department inspection remained outstanding; Lieutenant Frias offered assistance with hood inspection and cleaning to help the applicant meet fire-prevention requirements.

Board staff recommended approving the license contingent on completion of the fire inspection. Commissioner Morales moved to approve the common victualler license, Commissioner Laird seconded, and the board voted to grant the license with the stated condition.

The board recorded that other routine certificates were on file and that the applicant must not commence full food or kitchen operations until the required fire prevention inspection is completed.