Board hears Tapster Patchogue proposal for self‑pour tasting room with safety controls

Allison Dee, the franchisee proposing Tapster Patchogue at 48 West Main, told the zoning board the 4,200‑square‑foot tasting room would include one 6‑ft pool table and 55 self‑pour taps. Dee said the business model relies on technology to limit customers’ pours and on staff oversight.

"It's a self pour tasting room... we have plenty of it's 4,200 square feet," Dee said. She explained the tap‑card system and staff monitoring: "It will monitor what the equivalent of 2 drinks alcohol by volume, and then it will shut off. And it says you have to check‑in with a staff member, and you've got to check in with you, know, they'll check‑in with you, see how you're doing... and then you could turn it back on for another 2 drinks." The applicant described staffing levels (about four on duty at peak) and hours (weeknights typically closing between 10 p.m. and midnight; Friday and Saturday to about 2 a.m.).

Board members asked about over‑service controls and local impacts; the applicant described the automated pour limits and staff check‑ins as primary safeguards. After questions and review of occupancy and operations, the board closed the application as presented that evening.