Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone and Superintendent of Inspectional Services, Eddie Nuzzo, announced that, following additional review and investigation into Friday’s incident at the Holiday Inn Somerville’s Night Games Lounge, several “life and safety” violations related to the building’s emergency backup systems were cited in the Lounge, leading to the indefinite suspension of its operating permit and immediate cancellation of events until further notice.

On the morning of Friday, December 28, Somerville Police were called to the hotel in response to a fight between approximately 10-12 females, which quickly escalated.  State Police and Medford Police were called in to assist.  On Friday afternoon, city inspectors and fire marshals conducted a site review and revoked the Certificate of Occupancy for the Lounge due to problems with the night club’s emergency lighting system.  The Somerville Licensing Commission is expected to hold a hearing to review whether the alcohol and entertainment licenses should be modified, suspended, revoked for potential violations of the Somerville Licensing Rules and Regulations.  The hearing will take place at the Commission’s regularly scheduled meeting in January, 2013.

“We take incidents like these very seriously, and intend to take every action necessary both to address this particular issue, and to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future,” said Mayor Curtatone.  “Somerville has gained a very positive reputation for our arts, music and restaurant scene in recent years, and we continue to expand upon those opportunities.  Negative events like the incident at the Holiday Inn last week will not be taken lightly, both as they relate to public safety and as for what our community stands for as a whole.  We will continue to work with ISD and the Somerville Police Department to address any ongoing code or safety violations at Night Games, and other similar establishments.”

“Ward 1 has made great strides in recent months and years, and with great new business development potential on the near horizon, incidents like these tarnish both our reputation and our residents’ quality of life, and I commend the city staff working to ensure this doesn’t continue in our ward, or anywhere else in the City of Somerville,” said Ward 1 Alderman Maureen Bastardi. “Our residents are known for our neighborhood pride, and I know we will continue to prove that Somerville is an innovative, safe, and fun city to live, work, play and raise a family.”

The city’s Neighborhood Impact Team will continue to monitor violations at Night Games, which will remain indefinitely closed.  The Licensing Board will deliberate on its liquor license next month.