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Planning board approves games room at Ruthers Grill House, owner says machines will be muted
Summary
The Village of Patchogue Planning Board on April 22 approved an application to convert about 1,000 square feet at Ruthers Grill House, 1 West Main Street, from dining tables to coin- and card-operated games. The owner told the board the machines will be muted and hours will not change.
The Village of Patchogue Planning Board on Tuesday approved an application by Ruthers Grill House to convert roughly 1,000 square feet of underused dining space at 1 West Main Street into a family-oriented games room.
The approval follows the applicant’s description of replacing about 10 tables with about 10 electronic games — crane machines, driving games, air hockey and basketball — and assurances that hours of operation will remain unchanged. “We’re just looking to replace 10 tables that are existing currently with 10 games,” the applicant said. “That’s basically what we’re looking to do. Get us more families, bring in some more business and revenue.”
Board members asked about noise, complaints from upstairs residents and whether the change would increase occupancy. The applicant said the machines will have mute controls and that the business will keep the existing sound system; occupancy will not increase. The board noted there are residential units above the restaurant and emphasized the need to keep noise within limits. “Noise is our major component,” a board member said during questioning.
After public questioning and no objections from neighboring residents attending the meeting, a board member moved to approve the application “as presented.” The motion carried on a voice vote. No roll-call tally was recorded in the meeting minutes.
The applicant said the change is intended to shift the establishment away from a late-night nightlife focus and toward a family restaurant model. The board’s approval allows the replacement of the tables with games but does not authorize an increase in lawful occupancy or a change to hours of operation.
The board did not attach additional stipulations on sound-monitoring equipment in the motion, though members pressed the applicant during the hearing to keep machines muted and to be responsive to any noise complaints.
The applicant thanked the board after the vote and said construction and installation will proceed. The board did not set an inspection date at the meeting.
