Boston Restaurant Faces License Violation After Patriots Players Party

The future of a downtown Boston restaurant's liquor license hangs in the balance after the establishment allegedly hosted Patriots players after the team's AFC win in January with hookahs, a DJ, strippers, and after-hours drinking.

Helder George Brandao, the owner of Estella's, faced questions at a violations hearing with the Boston Licensing Board on Tuesday, March 3. He takes full responsibility, he said, but he also argued that Patriots players got out of control.

“One thing led to another,” Brandao said about the incident, which Universal Hub first reported.  “There's a sense of entitlement that these players think they can do whatever they want, and that was the case.”

Boston.com obtained a police report revealing that officers responded to the restaurant on Temple Place before 2:30 a.m. on Jan. 27. Estella's has an all-alcohol liquor license, according to records, and must close by 2 a.m. in Massachusetts.

In the report, officers noted that music could be heard from outside on the sidewalk. Once inside, police found approximately 30 people and noted “the odor of tobacco and marijuana was very strong.” 

The report also stated that Boston police Sgt. Rebecca Leo told the Licensing Board that an unidentified male employee “stated multiple times that there was a private party downstairs and that it was quote, unquote ‘all Patriots players.'”

Police reported at least six large hookahs, three nude or partially nude women, $1 bills scattered on the floor, and multiple bottles of liquor visible. Employees at Estella's stated to the police they were not aware of hookahs or any smoking.

Brandao argued that his bartender stopped serving drinks at 2 a.m., but “they had their own drink. That's how bad it was,” noting that players used large gym bags to bring their own alcohol and hookahs into the establishment. According to Brandao, the restaurant didn't make any sales. The players left without paying their tabs, he reported.