The Boston Licensing Board today ordered a new Roxbury restaurant to close immediately because it doesn't have a food-serving license.
The owner of Eddy's Restaurant, 2253 Washington St., told the board today that she went to Inspectional Services at 1010 Massachusetts Ave. and was told all she needed to open were permits from ISD and a health inspector. Through her daughter, acting as an interpreter, she said somebody there told her she didn't need a common victualer's license because her restaurant was too small for one.
"Although 1010 Mass. Ave. may have told your mother she doesn't need one, they're wrong," board Chairwoman Nicole Murati Ferrer told her, adding that until she went before a neighborhood civic group and then the licensing board, she had to close up.
This is the third time in a month Ferrer has told restaurants they had to shut immediately because they made the mistake of listening to ISD. Last month, restaurants in Allston and Roxbury had to shut, although in their cases it was just for a day.
Police Det. Eric Eversley said he visited Eddy's twice, in February and March, and both times told workers they needed a license. The first time, he warned them; the second time, he issued a citation, which is what led to today's hearing.
"This is a criminal offense, so criminal charges can be brought against you," Ferrer warned.