News Summary
The North Providence Town Council is contemplating stricter regulations on unpaid police detail invoices after two local restaurants owe a collective $76,000. The establishments, 787 Restaurant and Elite Lounge, face financial hardships due to the requirement of hiring police details on certain nights. Mayor Lombardi suggests immediate payment for services to avoid further debts, while the council aims to hold businesses accountable and maintain public safety amidst economic challenges.
North Providence – The Town Council of North Providence is considering implementing stricter regulations regarding unpaid police detail invoices as two local restaurants, the 787 Restaurant and Lounge and Elite Lounge, owe a combined total of $76,000. The 787 Restaurant has outstanding debts amounting to $61,218, while the Elite Lounge has liabilities totaling $15,186. Both establishments have been required to hire police details during certain nights due to previous complaints about disturbances associated with their operations.
During a council meeting held on May 6, the issue of these unpaid police details was discussed, highlighting the financial burden these requirements place on the restaurant owners. The owner of the 787 Restaurant expressed that the obligation to hire police on specific nights has created significant financial hardship, prompting concerns about the sustainability of their business operations.
In response to the accumulating debts, the council plans to summon the owners of both establishments for a meeting next month to discuss the situation further. At the meeting, Mayor Charles Lombardi suggested that any future charges for police details should be paid on the night of service, encouraging immediate payment to prevent further accumulation of debt. He indicated that the town’s only recourse could be revoking the establishments’ business licenses if the debts are not addressed promptly.
Historically, the Town Council had previously relieved the 787 Restaurant of its obligation to hire police for one night. Mayor Lombardi emphasized that taxpayers should not be responsible for the financial burden caused by these unpaid police details. Consequently, Councilor Mario Martone proposed that the council should consider discussing new regulations concerning unpaid bills in a subcommittee. This proposed ordinance would likely establish repercussions for unpaid bills, accelerate payment processes, and possibly enforce prepayment requirements for police services.
Councilor Chuck Pollock highlighted that while a payment arrangement for the 787 Restaurant had been established, it was not honored by the restaurant owner. The Deputy Police Chief Robert Lepre confirmed that multiple attempts to contact the restaurant’s owners had been made in an effort to resolve the outstanding debts. Recently in April, the owner of the 787 Restaurant made a partial payment of $2,500; however, with new fees accruing at an approximate rate of $2,000 per month, the restaurant continues to owe a significant amount.
Councilor Steve DiLorenzo expressed concern about reaching a breaking point regarding the situation with unpaid police details. He emphasized the necessity of enforcing compliance among license-holders to ensure a fair business environment. Similarly, Councilor Ron Baccala supported the notion that those holding business licenses should be responsible for settling their financial obligations to maintain their licenses.
The situation at both the 787 Restaurant and Elite Lounge underscores the ongoing challenges faced by local officials in balancing public safety concerns with the economic viability of local businesses. The involvement of the Town Council aims to bring clarity to the issue while holding accountable those businesses that do not meet their fiscal responsibilities. With future discussions planned, it remains to be seen how the council will implement changes to improve compliance and ensure the financial health of local establishments.
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Additional Resources
- Valley Breeze: North Providence Officials Consider Police Detail Regulations
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- Encyclopedia Britannica: Policing
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