The Safety Services and Licensing Committee unanimously revoked  Pregame Lounge’s victualing license, entertainment license and liquor license after a shooting that took place outside the business on March 28.

Major Todd Patalano testified in front of the Safety Services and Licensing Committee and said around 12:30 a.m. on March 28, the department received multiple emergency calls about shots fired outside the PreGame Lounge. He said numerous officers were dispatched and that the scene was chaotic. Patalano showed exterior video footage that was gathered from nearby businesses.

Police observed shell cases on the ground and noted that two businesses were struck. No one was injured, though Patalano said one store owner was inside his business when a bullet came through. Police believe at least eight shots were fired and believe there were more. There were allegedly two groups within the establishment who had an altercation over a woman inside the lounge. He said the issue spilled into the streets and dispersed. Later, a car drove by and shot at two of the individuals who were in the altercation.

Patalano said this was not the first run-in that the department has had with PreGame Lounge. In September 2020, police received a report of shots fired outside the business and learned about the incident from neighbors. The incident had not been reported to the department at the time of the shooting and officers were unable to determine who was involved. In October of 2020, the business was not complying with the mask mandate and had too many people in the establishment – violating mandates put forth by the state.

Patalano said people are afraid to make complaints and put their names on paper to make complaints. The department prompted the meeting to occur before the weekend because they thought something could transpire.

“We’ve [Cranston Police Department] come to the absolute conclusion that this business should not be allowed to stay open. We believe it faces an emanate danger to all the people in that area and that’s evidence to the calls we’ve been receiving from loud music to gunshots,” said Patalano.

On March 30, police issued  PreGame Lounge a cease and desist order along with a notice to appear. Council members voiced their opinions at Friday’s meeting.

“As the councilman of that area, I take the safety and welfare of the constituents I represent to heart, and I cannot in good conscience continue to think this business can operate and uphold the safety of the people in the area,” said John Donegan.

Councilman Matthew Reilly noted that the council has received numerous calls about the business.

“It’s not the Cranston we want to put out to the public. They [constituents] don’t deserve that in their neighborhood,” said Reilly.

The police investigation is ongoing.