Smithfield council approves multiple beverage, victualling and special-event licenses; one councilor votes no on Sonic application

The Smithfield Town Council approved several licenses and renewals during its meeting, covering new beverage and mobile-food permits as well as routine renewals for intoxication, victualling and entertainment licenses.

New licenses and renewals: The council approved a new beverage license for Smithfield Pizza House (345 Waterman Ave., Unit C) with hours set from 6 a.m. to 1 a.m., subject to state and local compliance. It also approved renewals for 11 intoxicating-beverage licenses, six extended-hours victualling-only renewals, six entertainment licenses, four special dance licenses, and other routine renewals.

Special events and mobile food: Councilors approved a one-day beer-and-wine license for St. Philip's Church for a wine tasting scheduled for Nov. 9, 2024, and a new mobile food truck license for Ramon Matalalo (DBA Poppin Minis RI) to sell mini-donuts from a specified vehicle.

Sonic Drive-In controversy: The council considered a new victualling-only license for Soar Restaurants Inc., DBA Sonic Drive-In (Putnam Pike). One council member said they have received repeated service complaints about the applicant and announced they would vote no, but the motion to approve carried with the majority voting 'Aye' and at least one 'No' recorded.

Procedure: All approvals were made subject to compliance with state regulations and local ordinances; motions were moved and seconded and votes were recorded verbally by the chair.