Town Council approves outdoor entertainment licenses for Preserve Property Management and Richmond Smoke

The Richmond Town Council meeting held on June 17, 2025, focused on two significant public hearings regarding outdoor entertainment licenses for local businesses, Preserve Property Management Company and Richmond Smoke.

The meeting commenced with a motion to open a public hearing for Preserve Property Management Company, which sought an outdoor entertainment license for its clubhouse range at Hilltop Lodge. The council discussed the unique nature of the business and the need for waivers typically reserved for religious, charitable, or civic organizations. Past councils had approved similar requests without issues, leading to a motion that passed unanimously.

Following this, the council opened a public hearing for Richmond Smoke, located at 1219 Main Street. During this discussion, concerns were raised about noise complaints from the previous year. A resident, David Benson, expressed his opposition to the license, citing disturbances from live concerts and other noise sources in the area. He suggested implementing noise level monitoring during events to address community concerns.

In response, Orianna Kenyon, the new general manager of Richmond Smoke, acknowledged the past noise issues and noted that the venue had shifted its music selection to be more community-friendly. She emphasized the establishment's commitment to respecting local residents.

After hearing from the public, the council voted to approve the outdoor entertainment license for Richmond Smoke, allowing events to take place on weekends from 1 PM to 11 PM. The council encouraged ongoing communication between the venue and residents to ensure a harmonious relationship moving forward.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the balance between supporting local businesses and addressing community concerns about noise, setting a precedent for future discussions on similar issues.