By Dawn De Busk

Staff Writer 

NAPLES — This happened a few years ago. After reviewing law enforcement’s report of incidents allegedly stemming from a local eating-and-drinking establishment, the Naples Board of Selectmen decided to postpone the liquor license renewal. 

One reason that the Naples Boardof Selectmen tabled the liquor license renewal for Gary’s Olde Towne Tavern is so that all the board members could vote on it. Selectman Ted Shane was absent from the board meeting on April 25.

The evening started with the public hearing. Easily, 40 people were packed into the meeting room at the Naples Town Hall.

Later — during the regularly scheduled meeting — the selectmen discussed what to do. The end result was a vote, 4-0, to table the liquor license renewal until all board members were present. Also, the board requested that the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) provide a more detailed report that includes times of incidents. As it stands, the liquor license renewal has been put on the agenda for May 23.

Meanwhile, the board did unanimously approve the Entertainment Permit for the business.

During the April 25 meeting, Chairman Jim Grattelo suggested tabling the liquor license. 

“Some type of condition(s) should be imposed. The other thing to consider is that Ted [Shane] is not here. Do we feel comfortable making a decision,or do we want to wait until he gets back? Do you feel he should be here so we have a full board since this is sensitive issue,” Grattelo said. 

Selectman Kevin Rogers said that the board should be careful not to take the approach of making an example out of the establishment.  

“I have watched them manage crowds. I know what happens before people go there and after. Weekends are when people get up and start with Mimosas and Bloody Mary’s. People are going to drink longer on the weekend,” Rogers said. “Teddy [Shane] may waiver back and forth just like we did. He will have theopportunity to watch the video.”Vice-chairmanBob Caron II referred to the state-sponsored workshop that is held for employees who work where alcohol is served. 

“The last three years for the workshop, Gary’s staff is the one group that is there the most. They are attentive and ask good questions,” Caron said. “Not saying I am not awareof this report. Between disturbances and assaults, something needs to be done.”

Selectman Colin Brackett suggested asking CCSO to send a detailed report to the board. 

“The report is vague. It doesn’t give times. It doesn’t say when it happens,” Brackett said. 

Caron agreed.

“Let’s get the extra report and hold a workshop with Gary beforehand,” he said.