Raagini Indian Bistro Liquor License Suspended

Selectmen voted to suspend the liquor license of Raagini Indian Bistro for 30 days Monday night after a teenage girl -- who was dating the manager -- was allowed to drink there.

The suspension will take effect after all appeals have closed.

Andover Police Det. Peter Remming testified that on March 31, Raagini allegedly served alcohol after hours to a 17-year-old employee.

And, according to manager Jaspreet Pabla, there was a relationship with the employee. The girl showed up at the restaurant and Pablo said he brought her into the restaurant and served her a drink.

When asked how often underage drinking occurs at his business, the manager took the fifth amendment.

Usually, a first offense liquor license violation would result in a letter of reprimand. But, given the severity of the situation, selectmen opted to bypass that and go for a tougher penalty of two days without a liquor license.

"This wasn't an accident, you knew her age," Selectman Paul Salafia said.

"As a parent, I made it clear when you came for your liquor license how seriously we take this," Selectmen Mary Lyman said. "If any child loses their life in this town, I take it personally. I hope you can hear how serious I take this."

Selectman Major said his first choice would be complete revokation of the liquor license.

Raagini Indian Bistro opened last year in the Shawsheen Plaza.

"It's a colossal poor judgement, to have a relationship witgh a 17-year-old and serve her liquor," Salafia said.