Selectmen Warn Tahiti After December Parking Lot Fight

restaurant owners received a warning on Thursday from the Dedham Board of Selectmen for a fight that occurred in the restaurant's parking lot in the early morning hours of Dec. 26, 2011.

Restaurant owners are responsible for controlling what happens on their premises, including a parking lot, Dedham selectmen said.

were called to Tahiti at about 2 a.m. on Dec. 26 and arrested 28-year-old Stephen Dwyer, of Norwood, on charges of robbery, assault and malicious damage of property.

When police arrived, they found 15-20 people in the parking lot - an hour after the restaurant closed. Witnesses told police that a fight had broken out that left one man with facial injuries. He was treated and released at the scene.

Several of the people in the lot had previously patronized Tahiti, according to police.

"You need to take better control of what goes on in the business," selectman Carmen Dello Iacono said. "The fact that all of these officers had to go down there - it was a bit of mayhem."

While the fight didn't happen inside, employees were cleaning the restaurant during the time of the fight, and were still responsible for what happened outside, selectmen said.

"The 'we didn't see it happening' isn't a defense," Sarah MacDonald said, who added owners need to be proactive in monitoring their parking lot and suggested installing cameras.

Dello Iacono, selectman Michael Butler and selectman Sarah MacDonald voted to give Tahiti a warning that will disappear if no other violations happen in the following year. Selectman Paul Reynolds was absent from the Feb. 9 meeting and chair Jim MacDonald excused himself from the discussion and vote because of his position within the State Treasurer's Office, which oversees the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission.

Tahiti can appeal the board's decision to the ABCC.

Tahiti owners said they've agreed to hire a detail officer on several nights throughout the year - including Christmas Eve, Christmas night, New Year's Eve and Thanksgiving night.

"What I'd like to see tonight is a step up in the business, and the business plan and make sure that you are protecting everyone in the town, as well as your establishment," Dello Iacono said.

Peter Zahka, Tahiti's attorney, stated that they often are busier on Dec. 24 and Dec. 25 as they are one of the only restaurants open in the area.

"We will be implementing those [plans] going forward," Zahka said. "We are looking to step it up."