Council approves most 2025–26 liquor-license renewals, discusses floating licenses

The Newport City Council took a series of votes to approve liquor-license renewals, license expansions and related matters for the 2025–26 licensing year, with discussion focused on so-called “floating” licenses and whether unused licenses should be retired or more aggressively pursued for transfer.

Key outcomes at a glance: - Multiple license renewal classes (A, B, C, D, J, K, T and others) were approved by voice vote. - The Council approved renewed and expanded licenses for specific businesses including Crew Cafe, The Elms Carriage House (Preservation Society of Newport County) and others; approvals included seating/occupancy expansions described in the agenda. - Gardner House (Bloody Bull LLC, 24 Lee’s Wharf) was approved for several license classes after procedural discussion; the Council allowed the mayor to vote after recusal movement.

Discussion highlights: Councilors and staff noted that “floating” licenses (licenses left inactive while renewed) are a recurring local issue because caps make licenses valuable; some councilors urged the administration to press holders to open or transfer these licenses rather than retain them indefinitely. The City Solicitor and administration described past approaches that attempted to encourage use or transfer, while acknowledging legitimate reasons (construction, financing, renovations) exist for temporary inactivity.

Why it matters: Liquor licenses are capped and marketable; Council policy on renewals affects local business viability, neighborhood impacts and the value of licenses.