Sandbar’s expanded entertainment request approved; owner pledges to control noise

By Carol Britton Meyer

With the end-of-year license expirations approaching, the select board voted this week to renew six annual alcohol and five package store licenses, along with three common victualler and a number of livery, lodging house, and auto sales licenses.

THE SANDBAR IS LOCATED AT 297 NANTASKET AVE., IN THE SURFSIDE BUSINESS DISTRICT.

The board also agreed to expand the Sandbar’s entertainment license after a public hearing was requested by restaurant owner Lillian Parker.

In response to concerns expressed by neighbors about noise from the music affecting their quality of life, restaurant patrons who gather outside the restaurant in the late evening hours being disruptive, and potential parking issues, the select board approved the following: live music Monday through Thursday from 2 p.m. to 11 p.m., including three-piece bands without amplification according to the existing license but not including televisions, which can remain turned on until 1 a.m.

In accordance with the request to expand the restaurant’s entertainment license, live music with amplification for up to five-piece bands and floor shows will be allowed Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and all holidays up until 1 a.m., with live music and floor shows to begin no earlier than 2 p.m. on Sundays. The Sandbar, at 297 Nantasket Ave., will also be open seven days a week moving forward.

Town Manager Philip Lemnios said it’s a balancing act to accommodate commercial enterprises that are close to residential properties, because the residences in that area are in a business district.

Parker said every effort is made to be considerate of residents living near the restaurant.

“It’s hard to control people, but if we hear loud noise on the sidewalk, we ask them to quiet down. We have respect for our neighbors and [will continue to] do everything we can to manage [the noise],” she said.

Board member Donna Pursel called Hull “a unique place to live for both residents and businesses. It’s necessary to communicate in order to survive, and we have found businesses to be willing to work with the neighbors [overall].”

Annual alcohol license renewals were approved for The C Note, Daddy’s Dry Dock, California Underground, Schooners, Nantasket Flatts, and Jo’s Nautical Bar.

Common victualler licenses were renewed for Dylan’s Pizza, Nantasket Seafood, and Breadbasket Bakery and Cafe.

Package store renewals were granted to West Corner Liquors, Smart Save Variety Store, Nantasket Liquors, the EZ Smoke Shop, and Quick Pick, Inc.

Chair Jennifer Constable and Select Board member Domenico Sestito were not present at Wednesday’s meeting.