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East Greenwich council approves Mimi's Cafe upgrade to full liquor license, subject to fire marshal clearance
Summary
After a public hearing and neighbor comment, the Town Council voted 5-0 to permit Mimi's Cafe at 1855 South County Trail to upgrade from a beer-and-wine (class BV limited) license to a full class BV license, subject to final approval by the fire marshal and clerk.
The East Greenwich Town Council voted 5-0 Sept. 8 to allow Mimi's Cafe, 1855 South County Trail, to upgrade its alcohol license from a class BV limited (beer and wine) to a class BV full license, contingent on final sign-off from the fire marshal and town clerk.
At a public hearing, David Card, owner of Mimi's Cafe, told the council the upgrade would let the restaurant expand its breakfast cocktail menu. "We'd like that opportunity to grow our breakfast cocktail menu," Card said, adding the business plans to focus on morning offerings such as Bloody Marys and a limited set of espresso martinis served as flights.
The clerk reported that the applicant has clearance from the Division of Taxation but that final approval from the fire marshal remained pending because the building owner must upgrade the fire alarm system. The council and staff clarified the approval would be subject to full compliance as determined by the town clerk and fire department.
Neighbors attended and spoke. Richard Notar Donato of 1040 Middle Road said his concern "was that the license is issued to the establishment" and could later be used to expand evening hours, but he told the council the condition tying service to current hours addressed that worry. An online commenter, Dale Vandevredi of 126 Pine Glen Drive, voiced support for the upgrade.
Council members discussed hours and conditions at length. The council relied on representations about Mimi's existing operating hours — weekday closing at 2:30 p.m. and weekend closing at 3:00 p.m. — and the existing allowance for private events (previously limited until 10 p.m.). The council and applicant agreed the liquor license should align with the restaurant's business hours, and that any later change in hours would require a separate application to the council.
Councilor Michael Zarrella moved to approve the upgrade, subject to fire-department approval and compliance with the clerk; Counselor Reina Engelhardt seconded. The motion carried 5-0.
The council and staff noted there is only one full class BV license available in town; awarding it to Mimi's will use that slot. Any future requests for additional full licenses would require action by the council to raise the local cap.
