Framingham Selectmen Suspend Pub's License on July 3 For Liquor License Violation

Framingham Selectmen voted unanimously 4-0 to suspend O'Connell's Pub's liquor license for one day, on the recommendation of the Framingham Police for a liquor license violation. 

Note: Selectman Jason Smith was not in attendance at the meeting.

According to Framingham Police, on Thursday, April 4, O'Connell's Pub sold alcohol to an intoxicated female, who had just celebrated her 21st birthday that week.

The Framingham State University student, 21, was sent to MetroWest Medical Center after returning to campus, according to Police. The individual required alcohol-related treatment at the hospital, according to a police investigation.

Because O'Connell's Pub cooperated during the police investigation and has no previous alcohol violations, Framingham Police recommended a one-day suspension and the Framingham Selectmen agreed to the recommendation.

The night in question was "College Night" at O'Connell's Pub. Manager and part owner Jennifer Madden told Selectmen Tuesday night there have been changes made since the incident.

The Pub will now stop serving shots at 11 p.m. on College Night, she said. Shots are limited to two per person. Last call is at midnight, on College Night, now, not 12:30 a.m.

She also said additional staff has been added to walk through the Pub to observe patrons. She said anyone who leaves the Pub is not allowed back in that night.

Framingham Police Lt. Wareham during Tuesday night's public hearing told Selectmen the night in question, the female student left the Pub, using the courtesy shuttle bus provided by the Pub - JFK Transportation.

Once on campus, she lost her key and went to campus police for a new key. Campus Police, the Lt. explained, noticed the female was so intoxicated, she could not "even pronounce her own name."

An investigation showed the woman, who was with two other people, had ordered 6 drinks between the three individuals, said the Pub's attorney.

The woman told Police she did not drink before going to O'Connell's Pub and she did not drink once back on campus. Framingham State University is a dry campus, said the Framingham Police Lt. 

The attorney for O'Connell's Pub recommended the one-day suspension be served on Thursday, July 3, and Framingham Selectmen agreed.

During the one-day suspension, the 700 Worcester Road establishment, if it decides to stay open on July 3, must cover or remove the alcohol from the pub. And the reason and the length of the suspension must be posted prominently posted for the public.