SPRINGFIELD -- Several businesses and organizations have not renewed their liquor licenses for 2019, ranging from CityStage in the downtown, as was expected, to American Legion Post 277 lounge in Indian Orchard, closing Dec. 31.
CityStage, which had offered live theater at One Columbus Center for the past 20 years, closed Dec. 7, after its final show, "Moondance: The Ultimate Van Morrison Tribute Concert."
The CityStage management company, Springfield Performing Arts Development Corp., announced recently that it will cease operations, effective Dec. 31, and thus did not seek to renew its all-alcohol license, officials said.
The Springfield Parking Authority, which owns the complex, will consider future options for the theater space, including potential tenants and possible capital improvements to the building, said Thomas Moore, the authority's acting director. It is unknown how long the site, which is adjacent to the parking garage, will be vacant.
Likewise, Springfield Performing Arts Development Corp. did not renew its beer and wine license at Symphony Hall at Court Square, as its management contract there also expires on Dec. 31.
The city, which owns the building, is opening bids for a new Symphony Hall management company on Dec. 17. The historic hall is home to the Springfield Symphony and used for other performances and events.
If bids are received and a new management company is hired for Symphony Hall after Dec. 17, that entity could apply for a new beer and wine license, or one-day licenses could be obtained for upcoming events, officials said.
American Legion Post 277 on Oak Street in Indian Orchard is scheduled to close on Dec. 31 at 11:59 p.m., when its 2018 liquor license expires, said Don Roberts, who is the head of the legion's House Committee.
"We're closing our lounge," Roberts said. "We will remain as an organization and continue to take part in legion activities. It became financially untenable. We were not making enough to keep up."
Others that did not renew their liquor licenses were:
- The Colony Club at Springfield's Tower Square. The club's board of governors closed the downtown staple in May after 103 years.
- Casa de Nana Mexican Cantina, 995 Boston Road. The business owner confirmed the closing in May.
- Club Pandora, formerly Kick Back Lounge, 1530-1534 State St.
- Limelight Room, 357 Cottage St.
- Food Zone, 135 Belmont St. (beer and wine)
While the deadline has expired for renewing licenses, businesses that want to serve liquor next year can request new licenses either now or in the future, said Peter L. Sygnator, chairman of the License Commission.
"A few surprises," Sygnator said last week of those not renewing. "But if they would like their license for 2019, they need to apply quickly."
The commission may meet on Dec. 28 to consider new liquor license requests if, for example, some business neglected to apply in time for renewal, Sygnator said.
All applications for liquor licenses need approval from the city's License Commission and the state Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission.