Massachusetts Cambridge Entertainment Venue Lose Liquor License for One Day: Suspected Said She Had Been Drugged

By Divya Bhatia Last updated Apr 30, 2023

Massachusetts entertainment venue to lose liquor license for one day. Following the allegations made by a woman that her drink was adulterated at a concert venue in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the venue’s liquor license will be revoked for one day.

Ilana Katz Katz reported that in September of last year, someone put a narcotic into her drink when she was at the Sinclair Music Hall in Cambridge. According to Katz Katz, what bothers her the most is not just the panic and pain caused by the crime but also the club’s lack of response to the situation.

After listening to Katz Katz throw up and scream for an hour, she and her buddy finally decided to leave The Sinclair. Her husband took her to the hospital and then filled out a report with the police after doing so.

After considering the facts presented in the case and listening to Katz Katz’s testimony, the Cambridge License Commission has decided to move forward with taking action.

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After hearing testimony about the incident that took place a month ago, the panel decided to issue the suspension. Officials of the city have stated that the suspension won’t go into force unless the panel decides to adopt a “statement of reasons” regarding the topic, which will most likely occur at the meeting scheduled for May 11.

A spokesperson for the club said in a statement,

“We have not received notification of the decision, so any comment would be premature at this time. We are aware of the ongoing citywide incidents and have implemented security measures at the venue. Our goal, as always, is to provide a safe and enjoyable evening for all of our patrons.”

The chairwoman of the Cambridge License Commission, Nicole Murati Ferrer, made the statement:

“The rules and regulations require the call for an incapacitated person and someone in need of aid.”

Katz Katz said:

“The most important thing is that it is going to put other venues on notice that they need to treat people like they would like to be treated.”

Based on the patron’s testimony, Ferrer said and additional testimony :

“It is clear that they needed aid, presented substantial evidence that the patron needed aid, was very agitated, and alleged to have been drugged.”

Ferrer referenced testimony from a club employee that the patron’s friend had told staff that the patron:

“Consumed an incredible amount of alcohol on the premises. I believe it was a ‘ridiculous amount of shots’ or something like that.”

Ahead of the vote on Tuesday, the Chair of the License Commission, Nicole Murati Ferrer, stated that the evidence showed the establishment “did not call the police or an ambulance” for the customer, who “allegedly refused” such assistance.

Ilana Katz Katz, a customer from Boston who is 56 years old, stated in an interview on Friday that she did not consume any shots of alcohol on the night in question and that her friend did not disclose to the staff that she had done so.

Massachusetts Cambridge Entertainment Venue Lose Liquor License for One Day

Due to the failure of Sinclair to provide assistance to the victim, the commission has decided to revoke the establishment’s liquor license for one day temporarily.

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This decision to suspend operations comes at a time when there is a heightened awareness of the dangers posed by drugged drinks served in local bars and nightclubs. The Boston Police Department published a community advisory, warning the general public about the hazards of drink spiking and providing information on how to prevent being a victim.

You can also refer to the tweet linked below:

BPD Community Alert: The Boston Police Department Warns Against Spiked Drinks and Urges Victims to Report the Incidents https://t.co/5WNPXVEoD5 pic.twitter.com/CyLjybtWuW

— Boston Police Dept. (@bostonpolice) April 21, 2023

According to the notice, the police cited the usage of Rohypnol and GHB, which are generally known as roofies. These substances are covertly placed in people’s drinks and cause a variety of symptoms, such as disorientation, confusion, temporary paralysis, or unconsciousness.