Just in time for the last weekend before Christmas, New World Tavern has its liquor license back.
Casey Kennedy, the town’s communications coordinator, said that Karl Heine, the Main Street bar and restaurant’s owner, has provided the required proof that his liquor liability insurance was reinstated. The Select Board suspended the liquor license on Dec. 10 after discovering New World Tavern had been selling alcoholic beverages without insurance in place.
“As of now, they are reopened,” Kennedy said Thursday. The tavern was open when the Independent called Friday.
Heine did not return phone calls seeking comment. Unable to sell beer, wine, and mixed drinks, he had to close his downtown establishment for 10 days. That forced the cancelation of New World Tavern’s popular live music performances, and caused a loss of business during a traditionally busy period.
Heine explained to the Select Board on Dec. 10 that to have his liability policy restored he had to provide proof to his insurance company that he had made safety improvements – such as placing reflective tape on steps – as well making sure that the kitchen’s hood and automatic fire suppression system passed inspection.
He said then that he anticipated providing the documentation within a day, but it took considerably longer.
Heine admitted that he had continued to serve alcohol despite the suspension of his insurance – coverage that is required by law – which potentially put the town at risk for liability in the event of an incident related to drinking.
Board members were not pleased, especially since it was the second time this year that the restaurant’s liability coverage had lapsed. In August – after the town said it had tried for eight months to obtain proof that Heine had liquor liability insurance – the board was on the verge of suspending his license, but he offered proof of insurance at that time and was allowed to continue operating.
To keep his liquor license going forward, however, the town is requiring Heine to provide monthly proof that the insurance is current.
Fred Thys can be reached at fred@plymouthindependent.org.