The Boston Licensing Board votes today on transferring the Kells' liquor license to Tavern in the Square, which plans to gut the place and convert it from a nightclub into a sports bar with an extensive menu.
At a hearing yesterday, Tavern in the Square lawyer Robert Allen of Brookline said that assuming the transfer is approved, the new owners will pay $1.4 million just to get in the door - which includes $250,000 for the value of the liquor license and $100,000 in "good will."
Shawn Ahern, who would run the latest Tavern in the Square outlet, said the chain plans to "open up" the existing space, to let in more light and will expand the kitchen.
He said the chain is well aware of the unique issues of serving liquor in a student area - the day before, the Kells was up before the licensing board for serving a drink to a minor - and said the chain is proud to have never had any violations at locations in Central and Porter squares.
"We want to see it cleaned up, we want to see less violations," board Chairman Daniel Pokaski said.
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