By Carol Britton Meyer

The owners of the Nantasket Flatts restaurant have decided to close permanently and are in talks with another food-service operation to take over the beachfront space.

The “difficult decision” to close was first announced on Facebook. In a letter to the select board, owners Richard and Tracy Vaughan said they “are currently in discussion with a local restaurant who is interested in the space.”

The Vaughans, who own the 145 Nantasket Ave. property, also said in the Jan. 19 letter that they planned to list the property with a restaurant broker in the next seven to 10 days.

“We appreciate all of the support we have received from the Hull community over the past four years, and we will miss all of our friends and regulars and this great seaside town!” the Facebook post said.

The Vaughans also asked the select board “if any other action is needed” regarding the Nantasket Flatts liquor license. Although not at this week’s meeting when their letter was read, the Vaughans have “six months to use it [their liquor license] or lose it,” according to Town Counsel James Lampke.

He said that when a licensed establishment “closes under these circumstances,” the state Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission policy states that the liquor license holder “has six months to sell or transfer the license or to move it to another location.”

If none of those scenarios occurs, Lampke said, the board could schedule a show-cause hearing to cancel or revoke the annual license due to non-use.

“In that case, the license “would then be available to be awarded to somebody else,” he said.

The board voted to send a letter to the Vaughans explaining the situation, at which time the six-month period begins.

The Hull Times reached out to Tracy Vaughn for further details but did not hear back by presstime.

“It’s unfortunate to see a business close, and I wish them the best,” Select Board Chair Jennifer Constable said. “It’s good to hear of potential talks with another restaurant and about plans to list the property.”

Calling the property “a great space,” select board member Donna Pursel noted that the restaurant industry is a tough one to be involved with during the current economy.

“I’m glad they stayed in Hull as long as they did,” she said.

Those with Nantasket Flatts gift cards can use them at one of the Vaughans’ other two restaurants – The Blue Oar in Cohasset and The Jetty in Marshfield. Customers who find this to be an inconvenience can email tracy@nantasketflatts-hull.com.