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Selectmen continue show‑cause hearing for restaurant license; owner to report back in February
Summary
The board continued a Chapter 138 show‑cause hearing for a long‑delayed restaurant/bar project and required the applicant to return with a construction progress update on Feb. 11; the motion carried 4‑1.
The Board of Selectmen continued a show‑cause hearing under Chapter 138 of the Massachusetts General Laws regarding the use of an existing alcoholic beverages license for a restaurant/bar project (applicant Luke Adams). The hearing was continued to monitor progress on construction and occupancy requirements.
Adams told the board that the project has made significant progress since the last appearance, that revised architectural and engineered plans were completed, and that the building permit was reissued Oct. 24 after a change of architect. He said framing, rough electrical work and many interior installations are underway and that the contractor is now installing kitchen equipment and finishes. "We've gotten quite a bit done," Adams said, and asked the board for time to complete the remaining work.
The town’s building official and counsel described the sequence of permits required — electrical, plumbing, fire alarm, fire protection and a final inspection by the Board of Health — and explained that a conditional or partial certificate of occupancy can be issued once the inspections for the permitted scope are complete.
Several selectmen acknowledged visible progress but also expressed frustration at the multi‑year timeline. One selectman said he was "at the end of the line" and favored revocation; others urged patience because of the project's complexity and current construction activity. Selectman Satt and others cited the restaurant's potential community value as a reason to allow more time.
The board voted to continue the hearing and required the applicant to return with a progress report at the board’s Feb. 11, 2025 meeting. The motion to continue passed 4‑1.
Why this matters: the hearing concerns whether an active alcoholic beverage license is being used consistent with its licensing purpose. The board can suspend, limit or revoke licenses under Chapter 138 when a licensed establishment fails to provide license‑contemplated services. The continued review keeps oversight in place while permitting completion of construction and inspections.
Next steps: the applicant will provide construction schedule updates and photos; the building inspector and health official will continue inspections, and the board will reassess on Feb. 11.
