The
Golden Light Restaurant, which has operated in Davis Square for 26
years, had long claimed to be open the latest in Somerville.
Alderman-at-Large Jack Connolly raised concerns about the restaurant
staying open past its hours in October, triggering a debate over
late-night establishments throughout the city.

"I'm looking at
the broad based ramifications," Connolly said prior to Thursday's vote.
"Do we want to be Allston/Brighton? We don't want to be the urban oasis
for the Western suburbs."

Connolly also cited complaints from
neighbors about the noise and loitering issues the Golden Light brought
by staying open past its allowed 1 a.m. closing time.

Ward 6
Alderman Rebekah Gewirtz has defended the restaurant during the
scrutiny from the board and its Committee on Licenses and Permits,
maintaining her constituents never complained about the restaurant.

Tensions
reached a high point at the Jan. 22 BOA meeting when Connolly invoked a
rule that allowed him to table the matter in the midst of a vote. No
objections were raised at the Feb. 12 meeting, and the measure passed
7-3, with Ward 1 Alderman Bill Roche and Ward 4 Alderman Walter Pero
joining Connolly in voting against the extended hours.