Proposed 205 Thames St. restaurant asks council not to reduce town BB licenses; public hearing set

Mary Ann Bergenholtz and family appeared before the council on Jan. 28 to announce they intend to open a restaurant at 205 Thames St. and requested the council not to reduce the municipality’s BB liquor license count while they pursue a full license.

The family described plans to employ about 18–20 people and to open in mid‑May. Council members explained town practice: new licensees who have not held a full liquor license in town typically receive a limited beer‑and‑wine permit at issuance and return to the council for a six‑month review before eligibility for a full BB license is considered. The clerk also noted that issuance is contingent on state and local clearances (Division of Taxation, Secretary of State, Department of Health, fire marshal) and that the license can be granted at a council meeting but will only be issued once all documentation is provided.

Councilors and the solicitor discussed timing: advertising and abutters’ notices for a public hearing were to be coordinated so the public hearing would occur in March and the second reading/adoption would follow. The council called for a public hearing to consider maintaining the full BB license and related ordinance changes; the hearing was scheduled as part of the March calendar. Council members encouraged the applicants to complete required permits so the six‑month review clock would start when the license is issued.

The council did not grant a full BB at this meeting; it set the public‑hearing process in motion and reiterated procedural requirements that new licensees satisfy external permits prior to issuance.