Kowloon Tiki Bar wins unanimous approval for all-alcohol license on Revere Beach

By Barbara Taormina

The most welcome news in Revere this week came from the License Commission.

The Commission unanimously approved an all-alcohol restaurant License for the Kowloon Tiki Bar at 21 Revere Beach Boulevard to be managed by John Carlino. The approved seating is 115 inside and 60 seats outside. Hours of operation will be Sunday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.; planned entertainment will be widescreen cable television, DJs, amplifiers, vocal and instrumental performers and dancing by patrons.

For those who have not been to Hawaii or the South Seas, a Tiki Bar, according to Carlino, has a beach vibe. Typically, Tiki Bars are known for exotic cocktails and Polynesian décor. “This is a tiki bar, and it’s going to be an authentic tiki bar,” said Carlino. “It’s like you’re in Hawaii and South Beach, very nice vibe, fun for families. We want families down there in the daytime.”

“It’s going to be a family restaurant,” Carlino told the Commission, “with a lounge, a main bar area for families, good food and great drinks.”

Commissioners, city councillors and residents raised some concerns about the plan, but prior to any typical questions about noise, security or weekend crowds, speakers stressed they not only supported the application, but they also supported it strongly.

Ward 1 Councillor James Mercurio asked about parking, noise control and closing-time security. Mercurio said he worried that noise levels would impact residents living in apartments above the Tiki Bar or those nearby.

Carlino said music is going to be mellow, Jimmy Buffet style entertainment, not Pearl Jam, head banging music. He mentioned that the residents in the building are potential customers and Kowloon’s wants to be on good terms with them. Carlino said he would be checking with the building managers to make sure neighbors are not disturbed.

“We look forward to becoming partners with you,” Mercurio told Carlino. “This establishment will bring a positive addition to Revere Beach.”

Carlino also said the Revere Police will be on board to control late night and weekend crowds. He said the bar will coordinate with Revere Police for weekend details and every night details if needed.

“The volume of music is a big concern and closing time crowds can be loud,” said Ward 2 Councillor Ira Novolselski, adding, “I am totally supporting this.”

Commissioner Daniel Occena said that in the past businesses that were located in the building had problems with noise and the volume of music. “As long as it’s down low, I don’t see it being an issue,” said Occena. Carlino said amplified music outside should not be a problem and outside music is primarily for daytime hours.

Although no opening date has been set, the Tiki Bar on the Beach is expected to open late spring–early summer.

Commission Chair Robert Selevitch cautioned Carlino that noise complaints would force the Commission to review the guarantees Kowloon is putting in place. Still, Selevitch seemed to speak for Revere when he said, “I know a lot of people are excited about Kowloon coming to Revere Beach.”