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Selectmen table Brasas Meat Market outdoor seating application pending town counsel and building inspector review
Summary
The Board delayed action on Brasas Meat Market's application for outdoor seating after questions whether a market without current seating qualifies under state law; Selectman Smith directed the Building Inspector to notify the owner that "the tables and chairs must be removed for now because the proper barriers are not in place."
The Somerset Board of Selectmen on June 25 voted to table Brasas Meat Market's application for a Common Victualler License for outdoor seating until Town Counsel and the Building Inspector review the proposal and relevant state law. Selectman Smith referenced Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 48 Section 3B; Selectman Bednarik said he had concerns with some of the language and wanted to consult the zoning enforcement agent before taking further action.
Selectman Costa questioned whether outdoor seating could be allowed where there is no existing dining area, saying that after reviewing the law "it is clear that outdoor seating is an extension of current seating in a restaurant or business selling food. There is no current seating, it is a market not a restaurant." Selectman Smith suggested obtaining an opinion from Town Counsel (Attorney Frank) and having the Building Inspector notify the owner that "the tables and chairs must be removed for now because the proper barriers are not in place." A motion to table the application until counsel's opinion and the Building Inspector's review was made by Selectman Costa, seconded by Selectman Bednarik and approved unanimously (3-0).
Supporting documents listed in the record include the Common Victualler license application, a letter from Deputy Fire Chief Jason Phillips dated June 1, 2026, and an email from Building Commissioner James Aguiar dated June 4, 2026.
