Council to consider revoking license for Hill’s Tavern following multiple violations

GLOCESTER – Hill’s Tavern, a popular restaurant and bar at 417 Putnam Pike in Glocester, is in danger of being closed down because of violations.

At its recent meeting on Aug. 3,  the Town Council postponed a hearing on considering revoking the restaurant’s liquor license, based on three violations: failure to have proper liability insurance as required by licensing, failure to have or keep a sign-in-as-minor book as required for regulation of sales, and failure to have proper server training certificate(s) on the premises or filed with the licensing authority for an on duty bartender on June 19, 2023.

“Nobody wants any business in town to close,” said Town Clerk Jean Fecteau.

Fecteau was notified that the restaurant, operated by Albert Hill, Jr., no longer had liability insurance in effect on June 16. State law requires liability insurance in order for a business to hold a liquor license. As a result, the establishment could not sell alcohol until the proper insurance was obtained several days later.

Though no decision was made by the council, due to the hearing’s postponement, the council could fine the business or cancel the license altogether, effectively closing its doors.

“Only the council, as the licensing authority, can decide what that should be,” explained Fecteau.

“I’m hoping it is resolved at the upcoming meeting,” said Hill. “I’m just hoping for a fair resolution.”

Hill’s just celebrated their five year anniversary at the current location. The owner said he hopes to continue to have more of the same.

“I think they (the council) are pretty fair with people,” said Hill. “I hope it works out.”

The next hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 6 at 6:30 p.m. at Town Hall.

Editor’s note: The date of the hearing has been changed since this story was originally published and has been updated above.