Bristol council approves wide set of outdoor entertainment license modifications with 3‑month reviews for some venues

Bristol Town Council voted July 23 to approve modifications to dancing and entertainment licenses for a series of downtown businesses, adding specified outdoor entertainment hours and directing staff to require clearer application materials going forward. The approvals were made by motion, typically moved by Councilor Tony and seconded by Councilor Aaron, and carried by voice vote.

The council treated the items as a group while discussing each applicant's requested hours and locations. Council members said the town had begun adding a supplemental page to license petitions to capture indoor and outdoor hours because some businesses had previously changed hours without notifying the council. Councilor Mary said the supplemental page is intended to make “transparent” the times and places where entertainment will happen. The council also said it will begin asking applicants to attach clearer sketches or photos so that the public record reflects current conditions and proposed changes.

Several establishments were approved for specific outdoor hours and subject to office or police recommendations: Aiden’s Pub (expansion to outdoor entertainment on Fridays), Liberato’s Lounge/Beach House (outdoor entertainment, Monday–Sunday 6–9 p.m.), Wolf Tavern (outdoor entertainment Wednesdays 6–9 p.m.), Judge Roy Bean Saloon (outdoor entertainment Sundays noon–6 p.m.), Lobster Park Inc. (outdoor Sundays 3–6 p.m.), Vigilant Brewing Company (outdoor and Wednesday indoor entertainment) and others. Many of the approvals included a three‑month review at the council’s request; the council removed the three‑month review for at least one venue after noting the police recommendation did not require it.

Council members emphasized that the modifications are intended to preserve oversight of hours and locations and to reduce confusion in future renewals. The clerk and town staff will collect the clearer application exhibits going forward, the council said. No applicant fines or denials were issued in this grouping of agenda items.

The council’s motions were recorded as voice votes with the motions carried; when police or staff recommended placement conditions or reviews the council asked that those recommendations be followed or that follow‑up reports return to the council.