The Boston Licensing Board has cleared ICON nightclub of any violation related to the alcohol license after an incident resulting in the death of a patron last month. Anastaiya Morales, a 27-year-old woman, tragically lost her life after collapsing on the dance floor inside the nightclub on December 21. Morales, who was known to have a heart condition and is survived by her two children, was rushed to Tufts Medical Center where she later died. This information comes from NBC Boston's reporting on the investigation.
The club had its entertainment license suspended for 17 days during the investigation, but will not face further sanctions as the board found no evidence of violations through the hearings. Despite the decision, ICON has been directed by the board to submit an emergency management plan to address any future medical or other emergencies. A virtual hearing held Thursday morning dissected the allegations against ICON, which included service to an intoxicated patron and failure to supervise crowd conduct. However, board chair Kathleen Joyce stated there were no violations pinpointed in this case by the club, as informed by WHDH.com.
The licensing authorities particularly focused on the club's response time and actions following Morales's collapse. Board Chair Joyce highlighted the testimony from ICON and corroborating video evidence that showed their immediate contact with emergency personnel, alongside timely CPR and chest compressions performed by an employee and a bystander. Joyce emotionally acknowledged the tragedy, extending deep sympathies to Morales's family and recognizing the city's role in ensuring safety within licensed establishments.
As part of the proceedings, ICON's staff was credited with responding "with all the necessary speed and professionalism," as described by Tyler Henseler, an attorney representing the nightclub, during a previous hearing. ICON's legal representative explained that video footage showed the rapid actions taken to address the emergency. Still, the club has been asked to delineate its emergency response protocols more clearly, including how it would control crowds, when to turn off music, and how to facilitate a swift and unhindered response by emergency services.
Concluding the hearings, Joyce reiterated the need for all nightlife operators in Boston to hold public safety as a sacred trust, ensuring that people feel secure when they step out into the night. She prompted ICON and other nightclubs to commit to fostering a safer nightlife environment by working alongside city officials and the police to prevent similar incidents from recurring. The Morales family's attorneys were contacted by NBC10 Boston for comments on the board's final decision, yet their response remains pending.
