License Commission approves extended New Year’s Eve hours

  As it has in recent years, the License Commission will allow Revere establishments to stay open until 3 a.m. on New Year’s Eve. While the licensed restaurants and bars will be able to stay open an hour later, last call will remain at 1:30 a.m.

  “They will be able to continue their entertainment until 2:30 a.m., but the alcohol service has to remain as it is because that is something that is prescribed by state law,” said License Commission Chair Robert Selevitch. “It would allow staying open for dancing and some coffee and pastry for an additional hour.”

  Commissioner Linda Guinasso said it is something that has been done in the past and seems to work well. “It staggers the people leaving the establishments on New Year’s Eve and it also gives them a chance to have a little continental breakfast after spending the night,” she said. “As far as I know, we’ve never had a problem allowing them that extra hour; I think it’s a great idea.”

  In other business, the commission approved a Common Victualler License for Esquite Taqueria to open at 1150 North Shore Road. The restaurant will be operated by the same owners as the Esquite restaurant on Shirley Avenue.

  “Following the success of our restaurant on Shirley Avenue, we decided to expand into a new location, and it’s going to carry a lot of similar things from the restaurant we have on Shirley Avenue,” said owner and manager Emiliano Moreno.

  While there will be 15 to 18 seats at the restaurant, Moreno said, the focus will be on takeout. “After the pandemic, we have seen a lot of success with this model,” said Moreno. “People just want to eat in their homes, so that works out well for us and we are going to focus on having our food be the best quality possible.”

  Moreno said there is parking for about a dozen cars in the parking lot. The restaurant expects to hire about 12 to 15 people, with most of them being Revere residents, he added.

  “I think it is a great spot and I think it will do well,” said Guinasso.

  The approved hours for the restaurant are Monday through Thursday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., and until 1:30 a.m. on Friday and Saturday.