Lowell License Commission approves multiple licenses, applies prior fee to Hyve event

The Lowell License Commission voted Jan. 8 to approve several liquor- and venue-related licenses and to apply a previously paid fee to a forthcoming Hyve Public Market event.

The commission ratified a special one-day license for Steve Severson that was used Nov. 29, 2025, to sell wine at Air Lofts Gallery, 172 Middle Street, after Severson told the board the event "was successful." Commissioner Krieger moved to ratify and Commissioner Underwood seconded; the motion carried unanimously.

The board approved an application by S and S Cantina LLC doing business as Burrito Spice for a common fiddler/common victualler license at 194 Stedman Street. Applicant Siddharth Balodia said Burrito Spice will be a limited-service Mexican restaurant and described prior locations and operations: "We are pursuing, in Lowell," Balodia said. Commissioners Krieger and Underwood moved and seconded approval; the vote carried.

The commission also granted a special one-day license to Hyve Public Market for a private Starlight Celebration planned for Jan. 15, 2026, from 6 to 8 p.m. at 101 Page Street and agreed to apply a $75 license payment that the applicant had previously made for an October event that was canceled for safety reasons. Rachel Chandler, representing Hyve, said the venue has "a litany of TIP-certified folks and bartenders" and the board approved the motion to grant the license and apply the prior payment.

Separately, the commission accepted a request to open a public hearing on the transfer of an all-alcohol hotel license for 30 Industrial Avenue East (Sonesta Select Boston Lowell); commissioners moved to schedule the hearing in January and the motion carried.

The meeting concluded with a unanimous motion to adjourn. Next procedural steps: the Sonesta transfer hearing will be scheduled publicly, and applicants should follow any instructions from licensing staff regarding documentation and training.