Providence Bar Black Sheep Wants March Madness Permits After Melee, Arrests & Underage Drinking
GoLocalProv News Team
Providence Bar Black Sheep Wants March Madness Permits After Melee, Arrests & Underage Drinking
The Board had issued a seven-day closure for Black Sheep following a melee and arrests during an early morning incident at the end of February; then, Providence police arrested two underage patrons on March 1.
The latest incident is just one of the agenda items for Black Sheep before the Board of Licenses on Thursday.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTIn a separate agenda item, Black Sheep is also seeking “special event permits” for when the first round of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament is being held in Providence later this month.
The bar is seeking a special street closure permit for March 20 from 11 AM to 1 AM; March 21 from 11 AM to 2 AM; March 23 from 12 PM to 5 PM, and March 24 from 11 AM to 5 PM.
To make matters even more convoluted, Black Sheep is still required to close this coming Saturday, March 8, as part of its seven-day closure stemming from the February incident.
The bar had been allowed to open this past Saturday as a special carve-out for Providence College's last home basketball game as part of a special deal negotiated by Black Sheep and the Board.
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As GoLocal reported, Providence Police arrested two people at Black Sheep on March 1 for underage drinking.
The law enforcement action came after the incident on February 23, when police said over 100 people were involved in a “large disturbance” outside the bar; a beer bottle was reportedly thrown at an officer.
Police said security at Black Sheep was “uncooperative."
Two people were arrested during the February public safety response, including a 19-year-old; two security officers were fired after the incident.
“Public safety is a top priority for Mayor Smiley. The Providence Police Department and the Board of Licensing strictly enforce regulations to ensure that both patrons and business owners comply with the laws in place. The City does not tolerate repeated public safety violations and we remain committed to taking appropriate action to uphold safety standards and protect our community,” said Providence Mayor Brett Smiley's Deputy Press Secretary Samara Pinto, when asked for comment about the repeated incidents.
The bar is currently represented by attorney Nick Hemond, who has represented multiple bars and nightclubs in the city before the Board of Licenses.
According to Rhode Island Board of Elections records, Hemond has given over $50,000 in political donations to top local and state elected officials.
“Enforcement actions are based solely on public safety, compliance with regulations and the best interests of the community, as evidenced by recent actions to close the establishment after last week's incident,” said Pinto. “Mayor Smiley remains committed to ensuring all businesses are held to the same standards. The Providence Police Department and the Board of Licensing follow established protocols to uphold safety and accountability.”