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Select Board renews Seacoast Shores Association licenses after heated hearing
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Summary
After extended presentations from the applicant and neighborhood opponents, the Falmouth Select Board voted to renew Seacoast Shores Association’s seasonal club, common victualler and entertainment licenses. Town counsel advised the board its review was limited to statutory licensing criteria; opponents urged reconsideration citing deed restrictions and equity concerns.
The Falmouth Select Board voted to renew Seacoast Shores Association Inc.’s seasonal club license and associated common victualler and entertainment permits after a contested hearing on April 13, 2026. Town Counsel Maura O’Keefe told the board its authority was limited to four statutory criteria — public need and want, appropriateness of location, character and suitability of the applicant, and license density — and urged members to confine deliberations to those points.
Attorney Andrea McCarthy, representing the applicant, said the association has held the license for 14 years and that annual renewals have historically been automatic under M.G.L. c.138 §16A when applications are timely and complete. McCarthy argued the allegations raised by opponents were outside the legal scope for renewal and noted that some court challenges to the association’s activities had been dismissed. “There’s never been an issue with the police, with the fire, with noise complaints, nothing,” she said, asking the board to grant the renewals.
Friends of Seacoast Shores spokesman (introduced to the board as Mr. O’Regan) disputed that view and asked the board to reevaluate the license under its discretionary powers. The friends raised concerns about the club operating in a residential zone, alleged restrictions in property deeds and bylaws, and said recent promotional postings suggested the association was expanding its membership outreach beyond neighborhood residents. They also presented financial material they said raised questions about the clubhouse’s operations and inclusivity.
Board members said they heard the passion on both sides but emphasized the narrow legal test they must apply. After discussion — and a short recess to allow attendees to depart — the board moved to approve the application. Select Board members said neighborhood disputes and pending civil litigation were largely beyond the board’s licensing standards and that the record before them supported renewal. Town counsel said an appeal path to the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission remains available to any aggrieved party.
The board’s action reinstates the seasonal club, common victualler and entertainment licenses for Seacoast Shores Association. The transcript does not include a roll‑call vote tally in the board record; counsel noted the ABCC may retain jurisdiction if the matter proceeds to appeal.
