Liquor license issued to Danvers toy store

DANVERS, Mass. (WHDH) -- The location of a Danvers toy store was granted a liquor license. The license was supposed to go to a restaurant that never opened in that location.

The Green Elephant in Danvers is full of toys for children, but last week the governor approved a request that was approved by town officials last spring for a liquor license at 13 Elm St.

“It was very shocking to us,” said Jennifer LaMontagne, Green Elephant co-owner.

The Green Elephant has been at the location for several months.

Throughout the summer we worked on making it what it is and then September first we opened up the doors permanently,” said LaMontagne.

The owners said they had no idea anyone had ever applied for a liquor license for the location of the shop.

“We heard about it yesterday, that was the first time we had heard about it,” said La Montagne.

The license was not meant for the toy store, it was approved for Natalie’s Restaurant. The owner had originally planned to open the restaurant at that location.

“Since that time something has happened and he doesn’t exist at 13 Elm St. or never did exist at 13 Elm St.,” said Rep. Ted Speliotis of Danvers.

Even though the liquor license was issued for the address, it is only good for the restaurant whose name was on the application.

“The town could not transfer that license to anyone else,” said Speliotis.

If the restaurant owner decides to open his restaurant at another address he will have to apply for another liquor license.

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