Projo 7 to 7 News Blog

PROVIDENCE -- Seven years ago the city Board of Licenses revoked the 24-hour operating license of a downtown pizzeria after some melees outside, including a highly publicized videotaped incident in which a police officer was knocked down and then beaten and kicked by men in a crowd.

Pizza Queen was back at City Hall this afternoon in an attempt to regain its 24-hour license, which the city calls a 1-to-4 a.m. license.

Proprietor Moussa Habchi wanted to stay open past his usual closing time of 2 a.m., to cater to the boisterous nightclub and bar crowd that pours out onto the sidewalks at 2 on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and a Sunday before a legal holiday.

Board chairman Andrew J. Annaldo, referring to chronic problems with violence and traffic congestion associated with the weekend nightlife downtown, quickly ruled out Habchi's request at a hearing.

But Habchi had an alternative that seemed to disarm the board and doubting Thomases who were waiting to testify against his petition.

Just let me keep the lights on and the oven hot so that I can deliver food to places such as Rhode Island Hospital, Habchi said through his lawyer, Jeffrey H. Garabedian. I will keep the door locked.

Five representatives of downtown organizations poised to question or oppose the petition told the board that they agreed to the delivery proposal. But the police were adamant against even the delivery option.

Annaldo acceded to the delivery proposal on a trial basis, but the board held off on a formal vote. The chairman made it clear that approval would be contingent on Habchi signing an agreement to allow the board to revoke the delivery approval without the possibility of an appeal if, during the trial period, the police discover a problem with the business.

"I think it's a good balance," said board member Paul D. Ragosta.

The tentative decision leaves the late-night crowd downtown and in the Jewelry District -- many are from out of state -- with few options for sit-down eating near the bar or club they had been enjoying.

If they know the city, however, they can head to the I-HOP, on Pleasant Valley Parkway; the New York System hot dog emporiums in Olneyville, the West End and Smith Hill; the Seaplane Diner on Allens Avenue in South Providence; or a few other overnight eateries. The police do not mind if they head to those spots, as long as they do not congregate on foot on in their cars downtown.

 Tags  Pizza Queen Providence RI

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