Buckfield board amends The Bucket—s outdoor-permit, orders paperwork fix after neighbors complain about noise and lights

Buckfield Select Board on July 15 approved an amendment adding a single outdoor event to The Bucket—s special amusement permit and directed staff to rewrite permit language to align with the business—s liquor-license term after multiple residents raised concerns about noise, late hours and bright lights.

Why it matters: Neighbors said recurring late-night events and constant floodlights are disrupting sleep and outdoor family time in a residential area. The board—s action accommodates the business owner—s request while requiring clearer permit text and a short-term operating limit for the newly added date.

The board voted to amend The Bucket Grill and Pub—s existing special amusement permit to include an outdoor event on July 26, 2025, with a start no earlier than 11:00 a.m. and music ending no later than 11:15 p.m. The motion was seconded and passed by voice vote. The board also approved language changes so the special amusement permit will run to match the term of the applicant—s current liquor license and asked staff to prepare the revised document for signatures.

Residents at the public hearing urged stricter limits. Paula Sullivan told the board the facility—s floodlights…