Board approves conditional use for seasonal tavern at 2755 Penfield Road

The Penfield Zoning Board on an aye vote approved a conditional-use permit allowing a seasonal tavern license at 2755 Penfield Road.

Laurie Bridal, the applicant, and co-applicant Al Bricolo described the property as a restored historic barn and said they host workshops, charitable events and occasional private gatherings. "We love the property. It's historic," Bridal said, and added that the use would be limited to events rather than regular tavern hours. Bricolo noted the barn's character, saying, "It's a 1,900 [square-foot] barn," as part of explaining the venue's scale.

Board members and applicants discussed licensing details and hours. Applicants said they hold a temporary State Liquor Authority approval while they finalize paperwork and that the requested seasonal license would cover beer, wine and cider only, not hard liquor. The applicants told the board they anticipate most events ending by about 8 p.m. and agreed to a condition limiting service so that events end by 9 p.m.

Chair (speaker2) moved that the matter be treated as an unlisted action and issued a negative declaration under SEQR, then moved to approve the application with standard conditions including compliance with New York State liquor-license requirements and the 9 p.m. service cutoff. The board voted in favor and approved the conditional use.

The approval allows the applicants to avoid applying for a temporary permit each time they host a small event; the board retained standard conditions requiring any state or county approvals and adherence to local noise and safety rules. Applicants said they do not intend to operate as an open tavern with regular hours; instead, alcohol would be served only during permitted events.

The board closed the item after the vote; applicants thanked members and said they would work with the State Liquor Authority and local departments to finalize remaining requirements.