Letter from Samy Faraj

Received August 18th, 2018

Good afternoon,

Last Tuesday, a vote to impose an ordinance regarding B.Y.O.B stores and cafes in the Groton area took place. There was a majority supporting that places with B.Y.O.B licenses stop allowing the serving/drinking of alcohol at 1:00 am. As a former employee at the Midnight Hookah Lounge, I believe that this ordinance will hinder the store's business as many of our customers come late at night.

The store offers a secure area for people to gather on the weekends. We have three professional and experienced security guards and have had no problems with the town. Hossam AbuDawood, owner of the store, has always followed the law to the book and has taken every measure to provide this fun and safe place for the town of Groton. Mr.AbuDawood is also present at the store during all operating hours. Moreover, police are and have always been welcome to pass by the store. The store's doors are always open to the sheriff and to the town's council.

Should the ordinance pass, the store will not be able to stay open and Mr.AbuDawood will be forced to relocate.  Disallowing B.Y.O.B stores from serving/allowing alcohol at 1:00 am would make our store incompetent with other businesses across the town. Bars, restaurants, and casinos are allowed to sell drinks until 2:00 am. It would only be fair if our store and any other B.Y.O.B licensed stores are given the same 2:00 am curfew. 

The Midnight Hookah lounge has also brought business and activity to the town. Many of our customers end their night at the Groton Townhouse diner.Some of them even stroll to the Dunkin Donuts across the street. The Mobil gas station next door has extended its hours to 2:00 am on Fridays and Saturdays to benefit from the Hookah Lounge's clientele. Those are just a few instances of what the store has to offer.

Before working at the Midnight Hookah Lounge, I used to work at the Mobil Gas Station adjacent to the lounge. I witnessed Mr.AbuDawood's efforts to revamp the store from scratch. Mr.AbuDawood worked eighteen hour shifts at times to save up money, purchase equipment, put the store together, and bring the success he has to it. He is a family man and a law-abiding citizen who has striven to create a safe haven for people to spend the late nights at in Groton. His small business has been a success. 

This ordinance will hinder this store and all other B.Y.O.B licensed stores. From what I've learned growing up here, undercutting small business is not what this town, state, or country is about.  I would hope that the town council take into account who will suffer from this decision.

Sincerely,

Samy Faraj