The Boston Licensing Board recently penalized Estella, a restaurant on Temple Place, following an illegal after-hours party involving New England Patriots players. The incident occurred on January 27, 2026, after the team won the AFC Championship.
Police arrived at the scene at 2:20 a.m. and discovered guests drinking alcohol past the legal limit. Officers reported finding about 30 people in the basement along with exotic dancers, hookahs, and the smell of marijuana. One-dollar bills were scattered on the floor, which indicated a strip club environment that the restaurant is not licensed to host.
Feb 8, 2026; Santa Clara, CA, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver DeMario Douglas (3) against the Seattle Seahawks during Super Bowl LX at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Feb 8, 2026; Santa Clara, CA, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver DeMario Douglas (3) against the Seattle Seahawks during Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Owner Helder George Brandao told the board that he did not authorize the party. He claimed the players were “entitled” andentered through a back door while carrying gym bags. He stated these bags contained their own bottles of alcohol, smoking equipment, and even the dancers.
Brandao testified that the group stayed until 4:30 a.m. and refused to leave when staff asked them to. He also told the board that the players left without paying their bill.
The Licensing Board expressed serious doubt about these claims. Chairwoman Kathleen Joyce noted that the restaurant has a history ofblaming celebrities for its own rule-breaking. In a previous hearing regarding a party for singer Chris Brown, the owner made similar excuses.
During the March 5 hearing, Joyce addressed the pattern of behavior. She stated, “This board does not care about your celebrity status,” and emphasized that the law applies to everyone.
Police report details illicit late-night activity involving Patriots players
The police report highlighted several major violations. These included serving alcohol after 2 a.m., allowing unauthorized entertainment, and violating the city’s clean air act due to indoor smoking. The board found the evidence of exotic dancers particularly concerning, given that Estella is registered as a standard restaurant.
“Upon checking downstairs, where the party was, the sergeant observed no less than six large hookahs which appeared to be concealed underneath tables. The floor was covered with $1 bills and the liquor was mostly full on top of the tables,” the policereport says.
On March 5, 2026, the board issued its decision. They suspended the liquor license for three days. One day of the suspension is for the immediate future. The other two days are held in abeyance for one year.
This means the restaurant will lose its license for the remaining two days if another violation occurs within the next 12 months. Brandao is now considering legal action against the players to recover the unpaid costs for food and drinks. The restaurant remains under close watch by city officials.