Boston Bar Owner Blames Patriots Players for License Violation After Late-Night Party
A Boston restaurant owner has pointed fingers at New England Patriots players after his establishment was accused of violating its license by hosting a late-night private celebration following the team's AFC Championship victory. The incident has sparked a licensing hearing that could result in severe penalties for the venue.
Police Respond to Noise Complaint
In the early hours of January 27, Boston police officers were dispatched to Estella, a Caribbean-American modern fusion restaurant located on Temple Place, after receiving a noise complaint. This occurred shortly after the Patriots defeated the Denver Broncos in the AFC Championship game. Upon arrival around 2:20 a.m., officers discovered a private gathering in the basement of the restaurant, separate from the main dining area, which appeared to breach the bar's licensing conditions.
According to police reports obtained by NBC Boston, security personnel briefly obstructed officers from accessing the basement room where the party was underway. Once inside, the sergeant observed at least six large hookahs concealed under tables, a floor littered with $1 bills, and tables topped with mostly full liquor bottles.
Allegations of Illegal Activities
Officers reported detecting the smell of marijuana upon entry and witnessing partially or fully nude women running toward the kitchen. As a result of these findings, police issued a license premise inspection notice citing multiple violations, including after-hours liquor sales, unauthorized entertainment, and indoor smoking.
At a licensing hearing on Friday, restaurant owner Helder George Brandao admitted that Patriots players attended the celebration and that the party continued past the establishment's 2 a.m. closing time. He acknowledged that some of the more famous players entered through a back door but maintained that everyone was expected to depart before the curfew.
Owner's Defense and Apology
Brandao expressed regret during the hearing, admitting that rules were broken and offering an apology. However, he attributed the situation to difficulties in managing what he described as "entitled people." In a statement to WCVB, Brandao explained, "It's on us to do our duty to get them out, but it was more of a bad situation that we put ourselves in by even accepting them in. It was a lot of entitlement. And trying to get that many people out."
Licensing Board's Stern Warning
Boston Licensing Board officials questioned Brandao about the violations, emphasizing that celebrity status or private parties do not excuse legal breaches. They warned that hosting unauthorized entertainment and operating past permitted hours could jeopardize Estella's liquor license. Board member Kathleen Joyce underscored that city rules apply equally to all, regardless of fame.
"There are no exceptions in our rules for celebrities like Chris Brown or the Patriots," Joyce stated, per WCVB. "Your staff was obviously not on their game that night if they let people come in the back door, and have a DJ just randomly set up, and have strippers come and randomly throw $1 bills all over the floor."
Previous Incident and Pending Penalties
This is not the first time Brandao has faced the licensing board over similar issues. He previously appeared for an incident involving a party with singer Chris Brown. A hearing is scheduled to determine potential penalties for the latest violation, which could include suspension or modification of the restaurant's license. The Boston Licensing Board will make this decision at a meeting on Thursday morning.
The Independent has reached out to representatives for Estella, Brandao, and the Patriots for comment, but responses are pending as the case unfolds.
