HOULTON, Maine — People soon will be able to drink beer and wine outside in downtown Houlton after the Town Council reversed its stance on the matter.
Councilors unanimously approved a new sidewalk cafe ordinance Monday evening, paving the way for businesses to utilize town-owned space in front of their restaurants or tavern.
Fred Grant, owner of Market Pizza in downtown Houlton, first approached the town in July, seeking permission to allow his customers to consume beer and wine products while dining outside in front of his restaurant.
HOULTON, Maine — August 23, 2022 — Fred Grant, owner of Market Pizza in downtown Houlton, speaks to the town council during an Aug. 8 meeting. (Joseph Cyr | Houlton Pioneer Times)
Market Pizza offers outdoor dining in the form of two picnic tables, but state liquor laws prevent the sale of alcohol until the town endorses its application for an extension to their license.
At that July meeting, the council rejected Grant’s application, saying there was no town policy for outdoor cafes and therefore the town could not easily regulate them. The board then had a change of heart in subsequent meetings and agreed to draft a new ordinance.
“I think this is a really reasonable compromise,” Councilor Sue Tortello said. “It really captures everything we talked about and I am glad we were able to have it in front of us in a fairly timely manner.”
Under the new rule, a sidewalk cafe is only allowed between May 1 and Oct. 31, and if alcohol is available, it must have a defined seating area that includes fencing. Alcohol may only be sold between 11 a.m. and 9 p.m.
Cafes must provide a minimum of five feet of unobstructed and unoccupied sidewalk space for pedestrians. Any fencing erected must be removable to allow for the clearing of snow in the winter.
Just because the new ordinance is in place does not mean restaurant or tavern owners can automatically start selling beer and wine for consumption on the town’s sidewalks. Each individual business owner will have to apply for a permit with the town, allowing for the expansion of that business’ liquor license.
Liquor licenses must also be approved by the state and renewed annually.
Grant said he was pleased with the council’s decision.
“We’re ecstatic,” he said. “It is good to see the town council embraced the idea.”
Grant must now submit his application to the state for final approval before beer and wine sales can begin.
In other related action, the council approved an application by the American Legion Post No. 47, at 184 Bangor St., to expand its liquor license to an outdoor parcel of land. Group representatives said they wished to create an outdoor area with tables to allow patrons to consume alcoholic beverages outside of the Post.
That land is privately owned by the Legion and will also allow the group to host events in excess of its current cap of 170 people.
