New Shoreham approves Southeast Lighthouse full-moon event liquor permit; council denies Persephone’s special-event license after lengthy debate

The New Shoreham Board of License Commissioners approved an F‑1 special-event liquor license for a fundraising “full moon” party at the Southeast Lighthouse on Aug. 9 from 6 to 9 p.m., and separately moved to deny a multi-date F‑1 application from Persephone’s Kitchen after prolonged debate about whether the F‑1 category is appropriate for repeat business offerings.

The council granted the Southeast Lighthouse application after the applicant described ticketed beer-and-wine service, wristband ID controls and on-site personnel to monitor the gate and parking. “We will be sort of selling tickets in advance. It will be sort of beer, wine and nibbles,” the event representative said. Council members voted in favor; the chair announced the measure passed 4‑1.

Why it matters: The F‑1 license is a state-regulated special-event liquor permit that can be issued for limited dates. Commissioners and the police raised concerns that approving F‑1s for recurring business nights could effectively become a backdoor to a standing liquor service, changing the character of family-oriented events on the island.

Persephone’s Kitchen, which sought six F‑1 dates tied to its Thursday-night dessert nights, drew the most council attention. Kaylee Bernier, who identified herself as representing Persephone’s Kitchen, told the board the events are “select cocktails and mocktails” added to an otherwise family-oriented dessert night and described steps the applicant planned to take: wristbands at the gate, one-bar setup in a tent and servers certified in responsible alcohol service.

Police Chief (identified in the meeting as the police chief) said he had operational concerns. “My concerns, obviously, you know. I get the idea, and everyone wants to have the Thursday nights on Dodge Street. I understand that. But now we have a coffee shop that wants to provide alcohol. Do we have certified servers? Where’s your service area? Who is maintaining the entrance?” he asked.

Council members split on whether repeated F‑1 dates were appropriate for an existing business. Some members said the F‑1 extension could be preferable to granting a full liquor license that allows nightly service, while others argued the F‑1’s original purpose is for specific ticketed events, not recurring business promotion. One councilor called the Persephone’s application “a backdoor approach to a liquor license.”

After discussion and a request that Persephone’s meet with the police chief to finalize security protocols, a motion to deny Persephone’s multi-date application was made and seconded; the council voted to deny the application (denial motion carried; vote recorded in the meeting minutes). The applicant was told she could work further with staff and reapply if conditions changed.

The board also noted standard controls for F‑1 events: wristbands, door staff to prevent outside alcohol, non-amplified music (if any), and that service end by 9 p.m. The board required presence of door monitors and an agreed plan to prevent patrons leaving with drinks.

What’s next: Persephone’s Kitchen representatives were encouraged to meet with town police before any new application; the Southeast Lighthouse may proceed with its Aug. 9 fundraiser under the terms discussed.

Quotes

“We will be sort of selling tickets in advance. It will be sort of beer, wine and nibbles,” the Southeast Lighthouse representative said describing the fundraising event.

“My concerns, obviously, you know. I get the idea… Do we have certified servers? Where’s your service area? Who is maintaining the entrance?” the police chief said when discussing Persephone’s application.

Ending

The board’s mixed votes underscore a broader local debate about the island’s balance between family-oriented programming and increasing alcohol availability at popular seasonal events. Commissioners said they want clearer guardrails for repeat uses of the F‑1 license and stronger operational plans from applicants before reconsidering similar requests.