Business owner Lehi Lamani wins conditional renewal for village tavern patio; council sets April 1 compliance deadline

Lehi Lamani, the applicant and owner, told the Burrillville Town Council on Nov. 17 that her establishment has long served local patrons and that she will fix patio issues the town flagged.

The council approved a motion to renew the tavern's Class B retail liquor and annual victualing licenses and to continue permission for alcohol service on the patio provided the building official's conditions are met and the owner completes required corrections by April 1, 2026. Chair (unnamed) made the motion and it passed on a voice vote.

The building official reported that recent inspections found deviations from the approved patio plan: “it shows 4 concrete barriers straight up as only 2,” unauthorized tents/structures adjacent to the fence, advertising banners attached to barriers and lighting affixed to a neighbor’s fence. The official said patio sizing and placement must match the approved plan and recommended moving the gazebo/tent and removing unauthorized attachments.

Lehi Lamani acknowledged some elements needed correction but disputed what she described as persistent, targeted complaints by a neighbor. “I didn't put my time and effort into this to have this neighbor constantly harass us,” Lamani said, adding that the business closes at midnight and serves an older clientele. Lamani also said police and a fire marshal previously inspected the premises and found compliance in other respects.

Council members discussed practical remedies — moving the tent, re-siting barriers and requiring coordination between the owner and the building official — and agreed that conditional renewal with an explicit April 1 deadline balanced neighborhood concerns and the business's operation.

What happens next: The building official will work with Lamani on the required corrections. If the owner fails to meet the stipulations by April 1, the council may revisit licensing or patio permissions at a future meeting.