6 Arlington Restaurants Penalized for Serving Underage Patrons

Six Arlington restaurants received their punishments Monday for serving underage customers during an undercover operation by Arlington police in June.

The two undercover minors working with an Arlington Police Department detective tested all 30 alcohol-serving restaurants in town and all five liquor stores. The minors, who went in alone, did not have any IDs when they attempted to order drinks, which they did not consume, according to police.

The Board of Selectmen doled out the punishments – the severity of which they based on town guidelines and the owners’ comments in regards to preventative steps being taken.

All penalties passed unanimously, 3-0, with chairman Daniel Dunn, Joseph Curro Jr. and Steven Byrne in attendance.

Second Offenses (all of these restaurants also served underage customers in last year’s operation)

Manna House, 9A Medford St.

Alcohol license suspended at least 10 consecutive days, starting on Thursday, Sept. 5, and indefinitely thereafter until written preventative steps are submitted to the board and approved

Sweet Chili, 470-472 Mass. Ave.

Alcohol license suspended 10 consecutive days, starting on Thursday, Sept. 5

Sabzi, 352A Mass. Ave.

Alcohol license suspended eight consecutive days, starting on Thursday, Sept. 5

First Offenses

Shanghai Village Restaurant, 434-436 Mass. Ave.

Alcohol license suspended at least four consecutive days, starting on Thursday, Sept. 5, and indefinitely thereafter until written preventative steps are submitted to the board and approved

(During Shanghai Village’s hearing, Selectmen chairman Daniel Dunn asked the restaurant’s manager if she would not be willing to take concrete steps toward fixing the problem, and she said, “Yes,” that she would not be willing. Dunn seemed shocked by her answer.)

Szechuan’s Dumpling, 1360 Mass. Ave.

Alcohol license suspended at least four consecutive days, starting on Tuesday, Sept. 3, and indefinitely thereafter until written preventative steps are submitted to the board and approved

Not Your Average Joe’s, 645 Mass. Ave.

Alcohol license suspended three days in September (the restaurant will get to choose the three days)