Crowne Plaza Liquor License Renewed Despite Ongoing Assault Trail

By a vote of 3-1, with one abstained, Natick's Board of Selectmen voted to renew the liquor license for The Verve/Crowne Plaza, despite an incident that left one person hospitalized with severe lacerations.

In September 2012, there was an altercation between a contracted deejay, Robert C. Daddario, at The Verve and a patron that occurred after hours. The patron was an off-duty Boston police officer.

Robert Carp, a lawyer representing the officer, wants the Town of Natick to investigate the Crowne Plaza. Carp is arguing the hotel overserved the off-duty officer.

The Board opted to discuss the matter with town counsel before deciding whether to hold a hearing on the matter.

"This is clearly one of those messy situations," Selectman Rick Jennett said. "I have concerns about getting involved with both parties. Our decidsion could have some impact on either side, so we need to be very careful when considering out actions."

Selectman Nick Mabardy voted against renewing the license, saying a decision should be made with town counsel present.

Attorney Joseph Ayoub, who is representing the Crowne Plaza, told the Board this is likely the first time the hotel had a liquor license issue and asked the hearing be delayed due to the ongoing civil trial.

"We deny this happened," Ayoub said. "Even if it's true, it's the first time in my memory. The point is, it's not as if this is a repeated problem. There's an ongoing case that will allow both parites full access to all evidence."

Selectman Charles Hughes did not participate in the discussion nor the vote.