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Bristol restaurant owners seek full liquor license; council calls public hearing
Summary
Mary Anne Bergenholtz and family asked the council to preserve the town’s 33 BB liquor licenses so their planned Bistro 205 can secure a full license; council called a public hearing and outlined typical practice of issuing limited beer‑and‑wine licenses with a probationary review before upgrading.
Bristol — Mary Anne Bergenholtz and family told the council they plan to open Bistro 205 on Thames Street and requested the town not reduce the number of BB liquor licenses, saying a full license is key to the restaurant’s viability.
Councilors reminded applicants of the town’s customary practice: new operators without prior local liquor‑license history generally receive a limited BB (beer and wine) license and must return after a six‑month review for consideration of a full BB license. Applicants said they hope to open in mid‑May and that their son Nate (15 years’ restaurant experience) will manage operations; they said inside capacity will be about 40–50 with additional outdoor seating in summer.
The council voted to call a public hearing and instructed the clerk to publish abutter notices; the public hearing and any ordinance adoption will likely follow the required advertising schedule. The council and staff clarified that the six‑month probationary period starts on the date the license is issued, not the meeting date, and that the license will be granted subject to obtaining required clearances (tax division, secretary of state, Department of Health, fire marshal).
