REGULAR MEETING	LICENSING BOARD	COUNCIL CHAMBERS
THURSDAY	FEBRUARY 9, 2023	9:30 A.M.

 

 1.    9:33 A.M.  CALL TO ORDER

 

Present:   Paul Gencarella Jr., Chair

                 Angela M. Thoman-Miller

                 Jaime Przekop Vorenkamp

                 Stephen J. Iacoi

                 T. Sol. D. Garcia, Esq.

                 Mary L. LeBlanc, Clerk

 

        Absent:    Joseph M. Nigrelli, Jr. Vice Chair

 

SALUTE TO THE FLAG – Led by Stephen J. Iacoi

 

 

2.      CONSENT CALENDAR

 

a.    Regular Meeting – January 12, 2023

 

Motion by Ms. Vorenkamp, Seconded by Mr. Iacoi, that the aforesaid minutes be accepted and approved as printed.  (Voted Unanimously)

 

 

3.     PUBLIC COMMENTS

 

Comments shall be limited to agenda items, excluding matters to be scheduled for public hearing.

 

               None

 

 

4.     LICENSES AND PERMITS

 

a.    New

 

      None

 

b.    Renewals

 

Motel/Hotel/Guest Houses

The Coast (33)                                                          171 Post Road

Watch Hill Court (19)                                                 20 Bay St

 

Motion by Ms. Thoman-Miller, Seconded by Ms. Vorenkamp, that the aforesaid license be granted subject to the prior approval of proper authorities.  (Voted Unanimously)

 

c.     One-Time Events

 

Class F – Beer & Wine

Surftown Half Marathon Relay & 5K                         Wuskenau Beach &

Hartford Marathon Foundation                                  State Beach

Sept. 10, 2023  7:00 am – 11:30 am

 

Motion by Ms. Vorenkamp, Seconded by Ms. Thoman-Miller, that the aforesaid license be granted subject to the prior approval of proper authorities.  (Voted Unanimously)

 

 

5.     PUBLIC HEARINGS

 

Motion by Mr. Iacoi , Seconded by  Ms. Vorenkamp, that the public hearing be opened.  (Voted Unanimously)

 

a.     Liquor Class B-Victualer - New

        Old Man Joe’s LLC

                dba: Old Man Joe’s                                          134 Main Street

 

Present:   William A. Nardone, Esq., representing the applicant

                 Mark Van Cleve, applicant

 

     Mr. Van Cleve explained his background as a baker and his desire to open a bakery.  He stated that, in the beginning, the business will focus mainly on breakfast and lunch and that no entertainment is planned at this time.  He stated that the inside seating capacity is approximately 24 to 30 people, which includes bar seating for 10.  He stated that he hopes to open by April 15, 2023.  He responded to questions regarding parking and liquor liability insurance.

 

     Attorney Nardone stated that the applicant met the Planning Board’s requirements of a Development Plan review and received approval; that there were no objections to the application; and that the applicant spoke to one neighbor regarding the installation of a fence behind the establishment.  He explained that the location has two curb cuts on each corner and that the curb cut on Main Street will be entrance only and the curb cut on School Street will be exit only.  He addressed the State law which prohibits the issuance of a liquor license within 200-feet of a place of worship, explaining that the business is within 200 feet of a parcel owned by a church, but it is not a place a worship, only a rental property.

 

     No one appeared in favor or in opposition.

 

Motion by Ms. Thoman-Miller, Seconded by Mr. Iacoi, that the aforesaid license be granted subject to the prior approval of proper authorities.  (Voted Unanimously)

 

 

6.     CONTINUED PUBLIC HEARINGS (Liquor Licenses & Others)

 

        a.     Class C Beverage License – Transfer

               From:  Vintage Cigar, LLC

                       dba: Vintage Cigar Lounge & Club                             47 High Street

               To:  Beyond the Breachway, LLC

                       dba: Vintage Cigar Lounge & Club                             same location

               (Public hearing continued from January 12, 2023)

 

               Letter of Objection from MS Walker of RI for Indebtedness – $225.60

               Letter of Objection from McLaughlin & Moran Inc. – $1,116.00

        Letter of Objection from Horizon Beverage – $1,114.71

        Letter of Objection from Mancini Beverage - $2,212.74

 

Email received from Greg D. Williams, CEO/Owner of Vintage Cigar, LLC, dated 1/31/23 – re: Withdrawal of liquor license transfer request

 

Present:   William Nardone, Esq., representing the transferor

 

     Attorney Nardone reported that the transfer application has been withdrawn and that the operation will remain as is.  He stated that the current owner submitted a letter of withdrawal; however, he had expected the attorney for the transferee to submit the withdrawal.

 

Motion by Ms. Thoman-Miller , Seconded by  Mr. Iacoi, to accept the withdrawal of license application.  (Voted Unanimously)

 

        b.     Class C Beverage License – Extended Hours (12:00 am to 1:00 am)

               From: Vintage Cigar, LLC

                       dba: Vintage Cigar Lounge & Club                             47 High Street

               To: Beyond the Breachway, LLC

                       dba: Vintage Cigar Lounge & Club                             same location

               (Public hearing continued from January 12, 2023)

 

Motion by Ms. Thoman-Miller , Seconded by  Ms. Vorenkamp, to accept the withdrawal of the license application.  (Voted Unanimously)

 

Motion by Ms. Thoman-Miller , Seconded by  Mr. Iacoi, that the public hearing be closed.  (Voted Unanimously)

 

 

7.     ORDERED ADVERTISED FOR PUBLIC HEARING

 

               None

 

 

8.     UNFINISHED BUSINESS

 

               None

 

 

9.     NEW BUSINESS

 

               None

 

 

10.   COMMUNICATIONS AND REPORTS

 

a.    Correspondence

 

        None

 

b.    Town Solicitor Report

 

                        None

 

 

10. ANY OTHER MATTERS TO COME BEFORE THE BOARD

 

                        None

 

 

11.   ADJOURNMENT

 

 

        9:54 A.M.  Voted Unanimously to adjourn.