New Bedford, Massachusetts Police Chief Orders Morna Lounge and Grill to Close After Fatal Shooting

New Bedford, Massachusetts, Police Chief Paul Oliveira ordered the immediate closure of the Morna Lounge and Grill restaurant on Acushnet Avenue in New Bedford on Monday following a shooting last weekend that left one person dead and two others injured.

Citing MGL Ch. 41, Sec. 98, Chief Oliveira exercised his authority to order the owner of the establishment, Mateus Jose Barbosa, to cease operations of the business on an emergency basis "in the interest of public safety."

“Based on the history of previous incidents and the recent shooting that occurred on Saturday, in the interest of public safety and to ensure there is no retaliation resulting from the events of Saturday, you are hereby ordered to cease operations of Morna Lounge and Grill immediately,” Oliveira wrote in a letter personally delivered by the New Bedford Police Department.

The decision comes after multiple incidents at the location. In addition to last weekend’s homicide, there was a shooting outside the bar in July 2024 and another fatal homicide near the establishment about a week later. Between 2021 and 2023, Morna Lounge has appeared before the City Licensing Board five times for 13 separate violations, including a stabbing in 2022. Those incidents have resulted in multiple suspensions and probation.

Recent events have raised significant concerns about the ability of Morna Lounge management to ensure a safe environment for patrons and the surrounding community.

“The New Bedford Police Department will not tolerate environments that foster violence and disorder,” Oliveira said. “The safety and well-being of our city is our top priority, and we will take appropriate action against any establishment that fails to fulfill its responsibility to the public.”

The closure of Morna Lounge and Grill will remain in effect until further notice, according to the New Bedford Police Department.