Providence Bar Black Sheep Gets Special March Madness Permit Despite Repeated Arrests

Providence Bar Black Sheep Gets Special March Madness Permit Despite Repeated Arrests

In recent weeks, downtown Providence bar Black Sheep has had multiple arrests and a forced seven-day closure, but that did not stop the Board of Licenses from granting a special permit for the bar for extended hours and outdoor serving over the March Madness weekend - and beyond.

The Providence Board of Licenses on Thursday approved the Black Sheep’s special event permit application as well as the applications of other facilities in the city. 

Chairman of the Board of Licenses Dylan Conley told GoLocal that the Black Sheep is approved for four days — including two days after the tournament leaves. 

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The permit application states:

SPECIAL EVENT PERMIT APPLICATIONS - 2025 MARCH MADNESS: 1. 2025 Black Sheep March Madness 397 Westminster Street.  Block Party, Entertainment, Expansion of Premises-Street Closing, Special Event Permit (ACT). Special Event Permit #126915. Dates & times of event: 3/20/2025 - 11am-1am; 3/21/2025 - 11am-2am; 3/22/2025 - 11am-2am; 3/23/2025 - 12pm-5pm;  3/24/2025 - 11am-5pm. Street closure Aborn Street from Westminster Street to Washington Street.

The tournament is being held in Providence on March 20 and 22; it is unclear why the bar sought and received bonus days on Sunday and Monday after the first-round NCAA games.

Conley said that the pending alleged violations that were also on the meeting agenda — for underage drinking arrests on March 1 — were put off until sometime in the future. He would not commit to a hearing date.

The Black Sheep is currently required to close on Saturday, March 8 for its prior violations. 

READ GOLOCAL’S COVERAGE OF THE BLACK SHEEP AND ITS LICENSING ISSUES BELOW.