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Select Board approves all-alcohol license for Maugus Café, sets service hours at 10 a.m.
Summary
After hearing objections from the police chief and the restaurant owner's request for brunch service, the Select Board voted 4-1 to grant an all-alcohol license to Maugus Café at 300 Washington Street with alcohol service hours limited to 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. daily and named Stratis Saranteas manager in charge of alcohol.
Chair Marjorie Freiman opened a public hearing on an all-alcohol license application from Maugus Café at 300 Washington Street. Executive Director Meghan Jop said staff recommended limiting any early-service start to 10 a.m.
Police Chief Scott Whittemore told the Board he opposed any establishment serving alcohol at 8 a.m., saying early alcohol service can attract patrons who come primarily for alcohol and that mixing alcohol service with busy commuter traffic on Washington Street was a concern.
Owner Costas Saranteas said the restaurant did not intend to change its character but sought permission to serve brunch cocktails to meet customer demand; he told the Board that roughly 50 percent of the restaurant's business occurs between 7 a.m. and 10 a.m. and asked the Board to consider a 10 a.m. compromise.
Board members discussed consistency with existing licenses and different weekday versus weekend hours. Chair Freiman supported the 10 a.m. compromise, noting that licensed hours authorize service but do not require the restaurant to open earlier.
By roll call, on a motion by Colette Aufranc seconded by Thomas Ulfelder, the Board voted 4-1 to grant the all-alcohol license to Maugus Restaurant d/b/a Maugus Café, designate Stratis Saranteas as manager in charge of alcohol, and set alcohol service hours at 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily (Ulfelder opposed).
