After Liquor Law Violation, Bar Yoshi Changes Management

Terrance Noyes has officially been removed from his position as the manager of the Old South Wharf establishment Bar Yoshi, two months after the Select Board threatened to suspend the popular sushi restaurant’s liquor license following violations over Christmas Stroll.

The move was approved by the Select Board on Monday during a licensing hearing.

During a previous hearing, the Select Board agreed to allow Bar Yoshi to keep its license with the understanding that Noyes would be removed from his position, and under the condition that any complaints during the summer season could lead the Board to revoke the restaurant’s license for next year’s stroll.

Noyes will be replaced by Andressa Vidal, who already works for Bar Yoshi.

The initial agenda item for the Select Board’s meeting also suggested that Noyes would be removed as an owner of Bar Yoshi, but that change was delayed.

According to licensing administrator Amy Baxter, Bar Yoshi was serving alcohol in open containers on the wharf during Christmas Stroll, outside of its designated permit area, and allowed customers to take the alcohol off-site with no supervision. Baxter laid the blame on Noyes, noting previous complaints lodged against the restaurant.

“There's a long history here of issues that have existed with this licensee and manager. It was clear that there was no one giving the operating staff the proper direction for this type of activity,” she said. “The failure was definitely at the manager level…this has been a location that has been a challenge.”

During the meeting, Bar Yoshi was also authorized to expand its outdoor seating.