Paperwork delay forcing Easthampton restaurant to close for months

EASTHAMPTON, Mass. (WWLP) - A family-owned business in Easthampton will shut down on January 15, and its owner says delayed paperwork is forcing the place to close.

Popcorn Noir on Cottage Street will be closed for three months, beginning in mid-January, because they couldn't get a year-round liquor license on time.

Owner Kristen Davis told 22News they applied for a year-round license at the beginning of 2011, but the Easthampton License Board gave its only available liquor license to a new restaurant, Glory of India, in March.

Since then, Popcorn Noir tried to apply for an over-quota license, and they are in line for the state government to review their application.

But without the license ready to go for January, they would lose $35,000 over a 12-week period. So instead of waiting without a deadline, they decided to close.

“The reality is January, February and March are a very challenging time for a restaurant business. Plus, it takes a tremendous emotional toll to be here day after day with half of all our staff working twice as hard to lose that kind of money,” Davis said.

They will re-open in April though since they will be able to keep their seasonal liquor license.

22News called the Easthampton Licensing Board, but the calls were not returned.