Zoning board allows Lazy Lobster to seek liquor permit in smaller space at To Broadway

The Milford Zoning Board of Appeals on April 8 approved a variance to allow a restaurant (Lazy Lobster) to hold a liquor permit for an interior space measured at 1,500 square feet where the local rule sets a 2,000‑square‑foot minimum.

Attorney Thomas Lynch appeared for the applicant, Angelo LaVaro, owner of the Lazy Lobster (a Walnut Beach restaurant operator). Lynch said the restaurant space itself is roughly 1,500 square feet (he later indicated interior seating is about 1,200 sq ft and the calculation submitted to the state includes a front patio). He said the building is mixed‑use with apartments above and the space has operated as a restaurant for more than 20 years. Lynch noted the State Liquor Control Authority review and support for the application; a consultant who assists with liquor applications was also present and clarified he is a private consultant who helps process applications with the state agency, not a state employee.

Board members examined the floor plan: the proposed bar area is small (about 3–5 seats on the plan) and the interior dining area has roughly four tables; the front patio area was counted in the state's calculation but the board noted that the 1,500‑square‑foot figure used in the variance excludes some patio area for local zoning purposes. A petition with 19 local signatures in support was entered into the record. No in‑person opposition appeared at the hearing.

Mister Sota moved to approve the variance to allow a liquor permit at 1,500 square feet where 2,000 is required. The motion passed with board members voting in favor. Lynch noted related planning and zoning matters (regulation of live music outdoors) are scheduled for a future Planning & Zoning hearing.

The approval permits the applicant to proceed with the state liquor application process and local enforcement will monitor compliance with the submitted floor plan and state requirements.