Council reviews parking concerns for new hookah bar adjacent to hair salon

During a recent Pawtucket City Council meeting, discussions centered around a proposed cultural hookah bar that aims to serve coffee, beer, and wine. The meeting highlighted concerns from neighboring businesses, particularly regarding parking availability, as the establishment will be located in a space previously occupied by a convenience store and pizza place, which had different parking needs.

A council member reported having conversations with the owner of a nearby hair salon, who expressed worries about potential parking conflicts. The council member reassured them that the new establishment's parking lot could accommodate at least six vehicles, meeting the required square footage for the business. They discussed possible solutions, including painting parking lines to clearly designate spaces for the hookah bar's patrons.

The applicant for the hookah bar indicated a willingness to operate within reasonable hours, proposing to close at 10 PM on weekdays and 11 PM on weekends, with the possibility of extending hours in the future if successful. Additionally, the applicant confirmed that there would be no amplified music, only ambient sounds and possibly acoustic performances, which should alleviate concerns from nearby residents.

This meeting reflects the city's ongoing efforts to balance new business developments with the needs and concerns of existing local businesses and residents. As the council continues to navigate these discussions, the outcome of this proposal could set a precedent for future establishments in the area.