More Trouble For Osborn Tavern In Danvers

DANVERS, MA -- New liquor law violations reported in November prompted Danvers Selectmen to suspend the Osborn Tavern's liquor license for four days Tuesday night. The first day of the suspension will be in the first week of January, with the remaining three days being served after an appeals period expires. In September, selectmen suspended the Osborn's license for one day but agreed to put off the suspension for one year and waive it if the bar did not violate terms of its license in that time frame.

The troubled tavern's problems extend beyond the alleged liquor license violations. In June, Osborn Tavern LLC filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in U.S. Bankruptcy Court. According to court documents, the Osborn Tavern has liabilities between $500,000 and $1 million. The case is still pending.

At their meeting Tuesday, Selectmen heard details on the latest problems at the Osborn.Danvers On Nov. 2 police responded to a report of a fight that was started by a man and woman who were "heavily intoxicated," according to police reports. Then on Nov. 10, police found a man sleeping in his car behind the Osborn because, he told police, he was too drunk to drive home.

Both incidents suggested the bar had over-served customers. The suspensions were approved 4-0, with Selectman Bill Clark abstaining. The September suspension, which will be served during the first week of January, stemmed from a July 4 fight where the Osborn's staff did not contact police after having to physically remove a patron who refused to leave. A bar manager suffered a concussion in the altercation.

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Dave Copeland can be reached at dave.copeland@patch.com or by calling 617-433-7851. Follow him on Twitter (@CopeWrites) and Facebook (/copewrites).