Neighbors’ concerns voiced about serving liquor outdoors.
By: Kara Fitzpatrick
ROCKY HILL The Borough Council approved the renewal of two liquor licenses Monday, despite some concern from neighbors regarding the disturbance caused by outside dining and drinking.
The Sante Fe Grill, located on Washington Street, has conducted outside dining for years, owner Jenna Kleinman said. The noise has caused virtually no problems for neighbors, she said. The council approved the renewal and asked Ms. Kleinman to provide evidence that her license allows alcohol to be served on the porch.
The Rocky Hill Pub, which was taken over by Dewey Enterprises in September, does not offer outdoor seating. And neighbor Brad Merritt would like to see it remain that way.
In a letter to the borough, read by Mayor Brian Nolan at the meeting, Mr. Merritt described being awakened by the sound of patrons outside the pub. Mr. Merritt, who attended Monday’s meeting, said he heard from employees that the Rocky Hill Pub would be outfitting the establishment for exterior seating shortly.
But owners of the pub, also present at the meeting, denied that was the case, and they pledged it was never their intention to construct a patio seating area.
The council approved the renewal of the Rocky Hill Pub’s license, but under the condition that no outside dining or alcohol consumption would be permitted and establishment owners would meet with the borough zoning officer to address outstanding issues, such as landscaping and lighting.