Europa Restaurant All-Alcohol License
Third-floor restaurant license raises safety concerns over emergency access and prior tenant issues.
The License Commission approved an all-alcohol restaurant license for Europa at the third floor of 72 Merrimack Street after a May 28 scheduling and safety-review request and a June 11 public hearing that addressed emergency-access concerns. The board expressed reluctance tied to the building layout and prior tenant history yet granted approval following police and applicant mitigation statements.
The Europa Restaurant all-alcohol license application first surfaced at the License Commission meeting on May 28, 2026, when commissioners scheduled a public hearing for the new restaurant license at 72 Merrimack Street and directed the Police Department to conduct a safety walkthrough of the third-floor premises due to prior concerns over narrow staircases and officer access.
At the June 11, 2026 meeting the Commission held the public hearing on the application by 72 Merrimack Entertainment LLC. Commissioners voiced significant reluctance over the challenges of operating a nightclub on the third floor and referenced issues that had arisen with the former tenant.
During the hearing the Police Captain reported that a second stairwell had been identified for staff and police use and that security cameras were available. The applicant stated an intention to revitalize the space, which had been vacant for 18 months, and committed to keeping stairwells and hallways clear of debris.
After receiving these mitigation commitments the Commission approved the new all-alcoholic beverage restaurant license.
License issued with conditions; ongoing police oversight
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