Liquor-license merry-go-round could mean new restaurant at once neglected South End corner

The Boston Licensing Board decides Thursday whether to grant a series of liquor license transfers that would begin with a bar in the Alley off Boylston Street giving up its liquor license and end with a new "eclectic" pub opening at the intersection of Tremont Street and Mass. Ave.

Under the deal, the Lyons Group would sell its all-alcohol license for Suite to the owners of the Parish Cafe II at Tremont and Mass. Ave., who in turn would sell their current beer, wine and liqueurs license to the operator of a new restaurant, called Poe's Pub, across the street.

Poe's Pub is also seeking permission to stay open until 2 a.m. James Byrne, the attorney representing Brian Poe and the owners of the Parish Cafe, said the upscale restaurant will not be seeking permission for valet parking because Poe wants to just serve the surrounding neighborhood.

An association of Chestnut Square residents and the mayor's office said they support Poe's plans for what is now a vacant space, but said they'd rather the 2 a.m. closing be limited to just Fridays and Saturdays.

One nearby resident, Lloyd Fillion, attended today's hearing and said he would prefer to see even more limited hours - 11 p.m. on most nights and midnight on Fridays and Saturdays - until the restaurant can prove it could fit into the racially and economically diverse neighborhood.

Byrne, however, said Poe needs the late hours to recoup the expenses of renovating the space - and to compete with other nearby restaurants that are open that late. Such limited hours would be a deal breaker, he said.