Restaurant Owner Takes Swift Steps to Address Complaints Over Amber Room

Stonewood Tavern owner Sal Palumbo has taken swift action in response to harsh criticism from city councilors and complaints from neighbors over what they all described as a boisterous nightclub operating out of a function room at the South Peabody restaurant.

Palumbo attended a council meeting on Nov. 14, listening as councilors berated him for allowing what was supposed to be a function room for private parties and overflow from the bar turn into a live, loud entertainment venue with a stage, eight- to 10-piece bands, two bars and cover charges on the weekends. And all with numerous homes just a stone's throw away.

Palumbo, in a letter to the City Council dated Nov. 20, said he's taken steps to remedy the problem, the first of which was to fire the operations manager, the general manager, sound technician and the person involved with selecting the music.

He didn't speak publicly at the council meeting, which wasn't a public hearing, but explained in his letter that the problem was first brought to his attention on Nov. 8. He visited neighbors at their homes both that day and the next to listen to their concerns and "voice his sincere apologies."

"[I] told them I would do everything in my power to correct the situation. I take full responsibility," Palumbo wrote.

He said he's hired a function coordinator now to focus on renting out the Amber Room seven days a week for more birthday parties, weddings and other special occasions. So far, 18 functions are booked for December, ranging from small to large party sizes.

He said live entertainment will be limited to Friday and Saturday and the room will just be used for overflow dining during the week when not booked otherwise.

In addition to the staff turnover, bands were notified the sound levels on the in-house system have been lowered and will not be cranked up under any circumstances. Sound-reducing window shades were also installed.

Palumbo said he has also retained a sound engineer to conduct an environmental sound impact study to help develop an overall plan to reduce the noise level inside the room and for the neighbors.

"I will keep you informed of our progress as we move forward to address all of your concerns. I intend to work very hard to resolve these issues and restore the city of Peabody's and the neighborhood's confidence in me," he wrote.
 
Police were also asked to check up on the activity inside the Amber Room following the last council meeting.

Sgt. Doug Marcus stopped in Nov. 15 around 10:45 p.m. and reported there was a good crowd, but only a four-piece band playing (and no drums), while Sgt. Tim Maroney visited Nov. 16 around 10:20 p.m. and observed an eight-piece band.

They both said alcohol was being served at a separate bar in the function room and a manager told Marcus the base level on the sound system was lowered.