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Selectmen split on alcohol permit; approve trailer for Abenaki waterski events with ADA conduit condition
Summary
The Wolfeboro selectmen voted down a request to allow alcohol (amended to wine and beer) at an Abenaki Water Ski Club event after an even split; the board approved placement of an 8x20 trailer for equipment with a trenched or ADA-compliant conduit ramp and set June 18–July 14 as the permit period.
A public hearing on a request from the Abenaki Water Ski Club and vendor Magic Foods Catering to serve alcohol at the Fossefield/Glendon Street site drew debate over town policy and children’s presence before the selectmen on [date not specified]. Magic Foods said service would be provided in a fenced, ticketed area with insurer coverage and ID checks.
Board members and residents questioned allowing alcohol on town property where families and children gather and noted the town’s current ordinance does not authorize beer-garden–style service at that location. Jay Frucci, chair of the event, and vendor representatives described a fenced perimeter around a tent, on-site food service and measures to keep alcohol from leaving the controlled space.
After discussion, Selectman John (first name used in the meeting) moved to approve wine and beer (not spirits); Dave seconded. The vote resulted in an even split; the chair said the motion failed because it did not receive a majority. Selectmen noted state law now allows some social districts, and several members said the town’s ordinance and policy warranted review before approving similar requests in the future.
Separately, the Abenaki Water Ski Club asked permission to place an 8-by-20 trailer on the grass near Fossefield as staging and equipment storage ahead of upcoming tournaments. The club said the vendor would lock the trailer, avoid the parking lot, and reseed damaged grass if necessary. The board raised safety and access questions, including the need for a 100-amp electrical connection and trip-hazard risks from exposed conduit across a stone-dust path.
Linda Murray moved to allow the trailer at the bleacher area on the far side of the Bridal Falls path with a trenched conduit or an ADA-compliant ramp over the wiring and set the permit from June 18 through July 14. The motion passed; the selectmen directed the applicant to work with DPW on trenching/ramp details and to secure the trailer. Board members agreed existing vendors previously permitted would not automatically be shut down pending any legal reviews related to other waterfront matters.
The board said staff will bring policy options back for future discussion, and any subsequent alcohol-permit requests at town property will be examined against existing ordinances and potential changes such as social-district provisions.
