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Council denies outdoor dining permit for Smokehouse Tavern after enforcement history cited
Summary
The council voted down an outdoor dining permit for Smokehouse Tavern at Middle Street, citing prior on‑site enforcement actions, unpaid fines and reported incidents including blocked doorways and underage patrons. Staff said the site has an inspected kitchen but that prior violations weighed on the council’s decision.
The council considered a request to authorize the city manager to enter an outdoor restaurant and retail permit for Middle Street Village Inc., doing business as Smokehouse Tavern, at 92–98 Middle Street.
Staff memos attached to the application documented prior enforcement actions at the premises, including multiple dumpster fines (represented as cumulative but reduced in negotiated enforcement outcomes), unpaid balances and reports of underage patrons and alleged obstructive conduct during inspections. Assistant City Manager Bay Rose told the council the site does have a certified kitchen inspected for permitting, but that the business has chosen not to operate food service at this point.
Several councilors said the recorded violations and outstanding fines made the business an unfit candidate for expanded outdoor service. Councilor Mcdana and others urged denial until the owner cleared outstanding fines and resolved enforcement issues. After discussion the council voted against authorizing the outdoor dining permit (roll‑call recorded in the transcript). The motion failed.
Why it matters: Outdoor dining and retail permits expand downtown activity and help fill vacant storefronts, but the council said those privileges should not be extended to establishments with unresolved code or licensing problems. The denial underscores council expectations that applicants be in good standing on enforcement matters before receiving public‑space privileges.
Next step: Staff will continue enforcement and licensing follow‑up; the owner may remedy outstanding compliance items and reapply.
