Planning board backs Plane Brewing’s request to extend taproom hours, refers contract change to select board

Representatives of Plane Brewing asked the Lyman Planning Board on June 3 to approve a change that would allow later taproom hours and occasional evening events. The board voted that it was amenable to adjusting hours from noon to 11 p.m., but noted any modification of contract zoning and the public hearing required to change a legacy contract must be handled by the select board.

A brewery representative said the venue recently added a stage and wants flexibility for movie nights and fundraisers, and that live music and outdoor activity would comply with the town noise ordinance and end by 10 p.m. They requested the planning board indicate support so the matter can be referred upward for a contract change.

Planning staff member Rebecca explained that because the site operates under a legacy contract zoning arrangement, the planning board’s role is to indicate whether it is comfortable with the proposed hours change; the select board would conduct any public hearing and formally amend the contract if it chooses to do so. A board member added that the contract likely specifies hours, so amending the contract will be necessary. The planning board passed a motion indicating it was fine with adjusting hours to noon–11 p.m. with a caveat that complaints would trigger a review; the board instructed that the select board handle the contract change and any public hearing.

What happens next: the planning board will forward its indication of support to the select board, which will review and, if appropriate, hold the public hearing and modify the contract. If noise or other complaints arise, board members said the planning board would revisit the issue.