Commission approves Hidden Peak's request to add wine and hard cider to its alcohol permit

The Mendon Planning Commission voted to amend Hidden Peak’s conditional use permit to permit the on-site sale of wine and hard cider in addition to beer at the restaurant located at 93 West Main Street (C-2 zone).

Staff explained the original CUP was approved by the city council on Dec. 6, 2022, and that the restaurant obtained a limited-restaurant alcohol license from the state. Staff reminded commissioners that state licensing rules require that a restaurant’s alcohol sales not exceed 30 percent of sales (i.e., 70 percent of sales must be for food or other non-alcohol items) and that any change in what the business serves requires state approval.

Staff also emphasized an existing condition that prohibits alcohol-related signage visible from the exterior; removal of noncompliant signage would be a condition of any approval. “No alcohol related signage would be visible on the exterior of the building or on the inside, visible from the outside,” Michael said.

The applicant told commissioners she plans to serve wine primarily by the glass (approximately a 6-ounce pour), might use bottle sealers for groups and noted canned-wine formats are available. She confirmed there would be no takeout alcohol sales. “I’m gonna serve it by the glass,” the applicant said.

A commissioner moved to amend the CUP to allow wine and hard cider under the proposed conditions; the motion was seconded and the commission approved the amendment by voice vote. Staff will transmit the commission’s recommendation and the applicant will pursue any required state licensure changes.