Sake Change of Manager Granted

Mansfield selectmen were cautious Wednesday in approving the proposed new manager of , Mansfield Crossing's live-theater hibachi restaurant, but voted 5-0 in favor.

Sake was the recipient in February of three separate liquor license violations and a fine, after a performing chef squirted rice wine into the .

That memory appeared to be fresh in the minds of board members. They weren't inclined to grant the request for a change of manager without some very pointed questions to applicant Michelle Li and her paralegal assistant Andrea Kor.

Complicating the procedure was a significant language barrier between the English speaking board and Li, who at times needed Kor's Chinese/English translation skills to understand the questions put to her.

Kor explained to the board that Li lives in Norton, but has worked at several other restaurants in the area, including Sake. The owner, Kevin Shi, is still the same.

Board members were first concerned that Li had no Massachusetts driver's license, but Kor explained Li has not updated her license because she doesn't drive at all. Li said someone picks her up for work.

Other questions involved the training Li and the other staff has received in the alcohol awareness program known as TIPS, where staff members who are serving liquor are schooled in the state's regulations and in how to spot fake identification and signs of excessive drinking.

Li said she was working at Sake "at the time of the problems," and added she had taken the required course, although it was not TIPS.

Board administrative assistant Karen Doucette said a number of different courses are available in the area, and said the state does not require TIPS specifically.

Li said all the staff is trained, and added sake is not squirted at all at any meal service any more.

"I'm worried about establishing residency, and not getting your license," selectman chairman Kevin Moran said to Li. "I want to make sure I am confident that you are comfortable with the level of responsibility."

Li assured the board she would check identification for all her customers, and said she could handle all the problems that arise, but selectman Olivier Kozlowski said, "I'm worried about her level of comprehension," and asked if she would be able to understand police if they were to arrive in her restaurant and ask questions.

"You are asking to be appointed as the responsible person - what comes with that is being able to respond to police. We are trying to prevent over-serving, or serving (alcohol) to under-aged customers," said Moran. "The police department might be asking you questions right there."

But Li pointed out she could understand quite well when board members slowed their sometimes rapid-fire questions. "Sometimes you talk too fast," she said.

Although, Moran noted the restaurant is in a heavily traveled mall where there is a rapid turnover of customers, and said he was still concerned with the past offenses, he did move the transfer of manager be granted.