Smyrna Beer Board denies May Soul permit, cites ownership and no-show

The Smyrna Beer Board voted Nov. 3, 2025, to deny a beer-permit application from May Soul after the applicant failed to appear for a previously deferred review and board members said the application contained unresolved ownership-structure issues.

The decision came during the board's regularly scheduled meeting when the chair asked whether the board would decide on the application despite no representative being present. Amber, a town staff member, told the board she had contacted May Soul after the board deferred the item the prior month, reminded the applicant of the Oct. 24 deadline to amend the application and reiterated issues explained by Mr. Gross about how the application conflicted with the town's municipal code. She said the town had received no response.

A board member moved to deny the application, citing the applicant's absence and "the issue with the percentage ownership" and concerns about the citizenship of some owners. The motion was seconded and adopted by voice vote. Chair, Smyrna Beer Board, said, "The permit has been denied based off of the ownership structure." The board did not take further action to conditionally approve or table the application.

Because the applicant was not present, the board did not receive any additional documentation or testimony that would address the ownership questions. The board record notes the application was previously deferred and the applicant was given an opportunity to amend the submission by Oct. 24; staff reported no amendments were received.

The denial is recorded as an affirmative board action and will appear in town records. The board moved on to other business after the vote.