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Council asks for maps after discussion of liquor‑license exemption for 102 Granite St.
Summary
Council discussed a resolution to allow a proposed restaurant at 102 Granite Street to seek a liquor license despite being within 200 feet of a place of worship; the council requested a property‑line proximity map and noted prior, similar exceptions in town.
The Westerly Town Council on March 16 heard a request to adopt a resolution supporting an exemption to the state statute that bars liquor licenses within 200 feet of a place of worship. The request concerns a proposed restaurant at 102 Granite Street, which the town manager said lies within the statutory radius of a storefront used as a Mormon congregation.
Attorney William Nardone, speaking on behalf of the applicant, told the council the municipal resolution would only allow the applicant to apply at the licensing board and would not itself grant a liquor license: “You’re not approving a liquor license. You’re just approving the opportunity for someone to apply for one in that location,” he said. He noted that similar exceptions for specific premises already exist in town and that the General Assembly has historically approved such requests.
Council members asked for a plat map showing property lines and a 200‑foot radius so they could confirm whether the statute applies to the particular premises (the statute measures to property lines in many instances). Several councilors said they were not inclined to deny the applicant if previous exceptions had been granted for nearby storefronts, but they requested the map and a clearer cover letter before taking a formal vote or sending the resolution forward to the General Assembly.
The council took public comment and directed staff to supply clearer mapping and a written explanation of how prior exceptions were handled before the matter returns for possible action.
