Cumberland council approves special-event license for Ocean State/Fanta Brewing after questions about prior licensing

The Cumberland Town Council on a 6–1 vote approved a special-entertainment license for Ocean State Brewing, doing business as Fanta Brewing, to hold an event May 24, 2026, in the parking lot at 38 Martin Street, Building C. The council president said the license approval would be “pending promoter’s permit.”

Councilor Sweet questioned the clerk about whether there had been “some confusion recently over another event that possibly didn't have the proper licensing on Saint Patrick's Day” and asked what communications had been received from the business. The record shows the clerk and council discussed whether an explanation had been provided but no business representative spoke at the meeting to answer those questions.

Despite the concern, the motion to approve was moved by Councilor Motivia, seconded by Councilor McGill, and carried 6–1, with Councilor Sweet voting no. The council did not state additional conditions beyond the promoter’s permit requirement in the recorded discussion.

The special-event application as presented covers May 24 from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.; the council’s formal action was limited to the license approval. The clerk noted the license would be contingent on completing the promoter’s permit process.

The council’s packet and the clerk’s file should contain the promoter-permit requirements and any follow-up communications with Ocean State/Fanta Brewing; those documents were not included in the public remarks recorded during the meeting. The council proceeded to other business, including licensing, appointments and resolutions.