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New Shoreham panel approves outdoor entertainment license for Virginica with noise, scheduling conditions
Summary
The Board of License Commissioners granted an outdoor entertainment license to Great Salt Pond Table Productions Inc., d/b/a Virginica, but limited amplified music to solo or two‑piece acts and required coordination with neighboring venues and an on‑site sound check by town staff.
The Board of License Commissioners in New Shoreham voted to grant an outdoor entertainment license to Great Salt Pond Table Productions Inc., doing business as Virginica, during a public hearing held by the board (date not specified). The license was approved with conditions intended to limit amplified sound and avoid overlap with nearby music venues.
Sadie Fleitman, owner of Great Salt Pond Table Productions Inc. and applicant for the license, told the board the restaurant planned to host "local musicians perform on the front lawn, between the hours of 4 and 8 p.m.," and that performances could include small ensembles and poetry. Fleitman said amplifying performances would be necessary for audibility.
Board members raised sustained concerns about cumulative noise on the block, noting several existing outdoor entertainment licenses in the same area. "I'm uncomfortable given that we've been talking the talk to give another outdoor entertainment license for amplified music in that area," said the meeting chair. Commissioners said the town is working on updating its noise ordinance and has been collecting baseline measurements.
After discussion, the board approved a motion to grant the license with these conditions: performances are limited to single performers or two‑piece ensembles; music may be scheduled only at times when adjacent licensed venues (Winfield's, McAlones, and Tigerfish) are not hosting music; and town staff member Paul Dean must conduct an on‑site amplification survey before Virginica opens and verify speaker orientation and acceptable on‑site levels.
During the hearing some commissioners and commenters suggested a trial period or acoustic‑only performances as an alternative. Keisha, a town staff member, described a previously used approach at another licensed venue that limited amplification and scheduling; several speakers urged coordination among the block's businesses to avoid simultaneous amplified sets.
Board members also discussed an administrative quirk: Fleitman said she submitted the entertainment application at the same time as her liquor application but the record did not appear in the town's OpenGov system until later. The board noted it had approved an outdoor entertainment license for a previous license holder in November but that Virginica had not been active last year.
The motion passed by voice vote; the chair announced, "Ayes have it." The board did not record individual roll‑call tallies in the transcript. The license will take effect subject to the listed conditions and the on‑site verification by town staff.
Votes at a glance Motion: Grant outdoor entertainment license to Great Salt Pond Table Productions Inc. (d/b/a Virginica) with conditions described above. Outcome: Approved by voice vote. Mover: Chair (name not specified). Second: not specified. Notes: On‑site amplification verification required prior to opening.
