A Bowdoin Street restaurant is hoping to be one of several businesses selected to receive a full liquor license in an upcoming second round of awards as part of an official push to expand opportunities in underserved parts of the city, but is getting additional scrutiny this month after residents raised concerns about past public safety problems in the business district.
The expanded permit at Pollo Restaurant was the topic of a lively debate during last Thursday evening’s Greater Bowdoin Geneva Neighborhood Association (GBGNA) meeting. Members of the civic group, which has new bylaws and a new leadership structure, say they have been supportive of other liquor licenses in the area, but have specific concerns with Pollo Centro. The eatery’s owner, Miguel Santana, and members of the Bowdoin Geneva Main Streets touted the license as a way to upgrade the business and help solve the problems that are frustrating neighbors.
Lisa Allen, an attorney representing Santana, said the upgrade from the existing beer and wine license to an all-alcohol license will change the dynamics at the restaurant, located at 225 Bowdoin St. Pollo now operates as a casual dine-in and take-out restaurant during the day and, with an entertainment license, they also use host after-dinner hours events. It currently closes around 11 p.m…