Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Land Use topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commission approves packaged‑liquor permit for Stringers (The Catch) with conditions and term limits
Summary
After public input and amendments, the Sewell's Point commission approved an alternate‑use permit allowing Stringers (to be rebranded The Catch) to operate a 1,167‑sq‑ft package‑liquor use with time‑limited conditions: a finite term, hours limits tied to restaurant hours, revocation on change of control, no drive‑thru and other conditions discussed.
The Sewell's Point Town Commission voted Dec. 10 to permit package (retail off‑premise) liquor sales at the existing Stringers restaurant, which the applicant proposes to rebrand as The Catch. The vote followed staff review and public input and included several commissioner amendments to the permit terms.
Planning consultant Bonnie Landry (speaker 16) summarized staff review, noting the proposed package‑liquor use affects a 1,167‑square‑foot space formerly used for banquets and special events; the permit was recommended with terms including a time limit and conditions to prevent nuisance activity. Applicant Nick Darling (speaker 17) said the concept is a boutique, upscale package store adjunct to the restaurant, emphasizing curated product selection and staff training.
Commissioners debated the permit duration, hours and transferability. Several commissioners suggested reducing the initial 10‑year permit to the remaining lease term (7 years) or tying renewal to a commission review. Commissioners also proposed language to make the permit revocable on change of control and to limit hours so the package store cannot remain open later than the restaurant. Other conditions discussed included prohibiting drive‑through sales and restricting small single‑serve "nips." The applicant agreed to several amendments including no vapes/tobacco/lottery sales and to mirror hours to the restaurant's closing times.
Public comment favoring the application (including Diane Kimes) and the owner’s prior community outreach were noted. The commission voted to approve the alternate‑use permit as modified, agreed to finalize resolution text and exhibit edits, and scheduled administrative follow‑up to ensure the written resolution reflects the agreed conditions.
What happens next: The commission approved the permit in principle and asked staff to finalize the resolution and exhibit language consistent with the amendments (7‑year term tied to lease, hours limitations, revocation on change of control, no drive‑thru). The finalized resolution and signature will be completed at a subsequent meeting.
