Paris Bistro, Owned by a Politician and Site of Shooting, Had No Permits for Outdoor Patio Where Violent Incident Began

Paris Bistro, Owned by a Politician and Site of Shooting, Had No Permits for Outdoor Patio Where Violent Incident Began

According to Providence Police Sergeant Vincent Solito’s testimony at the Providence Board of Licenses on Monday, a verbal argument that started in the patio area of the Paris Bistro on Smith Street on Sunday night led to the shooting on Smith Street.

 

The verbal argument then elevated to a physical confrontation — which spilled into the alleyway next to the club and then ultimately to the shooting on Smith Street at about 6:45 PM. One man was shot twice and taken to the hospital for treatment.

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No arrests have been made. The lounge also had a violent episode in March.

 

At the Board of License emergency meeting to review the incident, city officials unveiled that the patio, where the incident began, is unlicensed — it has never been approved by the city for any use or the service of food and alcohol.

 

The Board of Licenses voted unanimously to close the facility for 72 hours and then take up the operational issue of the club at Thursday’s meeting.

 

The owner of the club is Andy Andujar, a Cranston City Council member, and during the day, works for the State of Rhode Island at the Department of Labor and Training. His annual salary is just over $90,000 a year, according to state records.

 

Previously, Andujar has held a number of political jobs, including chief of staff to the then-mayor of Central Falls, James Diossa, and served on the staff of then-Providence Mayor David Cicilline for eight years.

 

Andujar did not attend Monday’s hearing.  Also, he did not respond to questions about the report that the patio is illegal.