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DeFazio Farm seeks council support to increase tavern licenses; council refers ordinance drafting
Summary
Owner Michael DeFazio asked the council for support to amend the town's liquor‑license cap so his farm winery can host larger events with alcohol; council agreed to refer drafting of an ordinance amendment and said no license would be issued tonight.
Michael DeFazio, owner of DeFazio Farm and Winery, appeared before the council to ask whether members would be willing to increase the cap on B‑type (tavern) liquor licenses from three to four to allow larger events, such as weddings, where patrons might want beverages beyond wine.
Council members clarified the process: an ordinance change would be required, DeFazio must still apply for a license if an amendment passes, and zoning and special‑use permitting must be resolved before any license could be issued. Several members emphasized the council would not grant a license that evening; the motion on the agenda was to refer the request to the town solicitor to draft an ordinance amendment and to schedule a future public hearing.
DeFazio said he had been working with the health department to make his facility compliant and that zoning changes had been discussed with the planning board; councilors asked about the type of license and existing licensed establishments in town (examples mentioned include Corner Bistro, Granite Inn and Village Tavern). The council agreed there was consensus to explore increasing the number of B licenses but did not change the license limit that night.
Next steps: solicitor to draft ordinance language for council consideration and to set a public hearing if an amendment is filed.
