Arts & Entertainment

Armory Faces Alleged License Violations

The cultural venue is slated to address the alleged violations on July 15.

The Center for Arts at the Armory is scheduled to address allegations that it violated five Somerville Licensing Commission rules, according to a Licensing Commission agenda.

At the commission's meeting on July 15, the arts center will be asked "to show cause" why its wine and malt license, common victualer license and entertainment license shouldn't be modified, suspended or revoked, the agenda says.

The alleged violations are to rules that say (to paraphrase):

  • License holders must ensure their patrons leave the premises in an orderly manner
  • No outside area many be used as a waiting area or gathering place
  • License holders must ensure a high degree of supervision over its establishment
  • No entertainment may take place and no member of the public may enter a premises outside approved operating hours

According to the Licensing Commission's agenda, The Armory is accused of violating those rules on April 20 and May 18.

According to The Armory's online calendar, there was only one scheduled event on April 20. It was called "Healing Session," and the calendar says it was "for those affected by the recent events or any tragedy of their own." It featured "music and rhythm to soothe and heal, together."

That event, which was scheduled to take place from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., happened five days after the Boston Marathon bombings.

The Armory's calendar says there were no scheduled events on May 18.

The venue is home to a cafe and offices for a handful of cultural organizations based in Somerville, so it's open even when no events are scheduled.

In a city filled with artist studios, musicians and creative energy, the Armory is one of Somerville's only large-scale cultural venues. It hosts things like the Winter Farmers Market, meetings and presentations, blood drives, art exhibits, concerts and culinary events.

Some neighbors, however, have complained about noise, disturbances and parking issues associated with the venue.

The July 15 Licensing Commission meeting takes place at 6 p.m. at the Tufts Administration Building, 167 Holland St.


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