Dartmouth Tavern Owners Told to Control the ‘Knuckleheads’

The Thirsty Whale Tavern on Cove Road in South Dartmouth recently won a license renewal.

However, the license renewal came with a stern warning from selectmen to control the "knuckleheads" who have too much to drink while visiting the popular watering hole.

Shawn Aubin, the tavern's co-owner, appeared for a hearing before the Select Board on December 5, where he faced scrutiny from board members and criticism from Dartmouth Police Chief Brian Levesque.

On its website, the Thirsty Whale bills itself as a "late-night bar" where you can "hang out with your friends and grab a drink."

But according to Dartmouth Week, Chief Levesque described closing time at the Thirsty Whale as resembling "a small riot every night."

Dartmouth Police have responded to a host of complaints at the bar, including "a patron brandishing a firearm," noise complaints, and a report of a stabbing outside the establishment.

Dartmouth Week reported board chairman Shawn McDonald noted some "pretty significant problems here," calling the situation "a mess."

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Thirsty Whale owner Shaw St. Aubin reportedly told the board that he and his wife are working to "get things under control" by implementing some rules changes, including a dress code, and adjusting the timing of last call.

St. Aubin agreed to monitor the amount of alcohol consumed by "knucklehead" patrons.

The board granted license renewal on a 4-1 vote, with board member Stanley Mickelson opposed.

St. Aubin reportedly agreed to be more proactive and to work more closely with Dartmouth Police on "other ways to reduce incidents" at the tavern.

The Thirsty Whale's website says, "We've recently revamped our style under new ownership for a more fun and exciting atmosphere."