Restaurant's Outstanding Bill Spurs Change

Selectman David Van Dam said it is unfair for the town to renew Bistro's liquor, food and entertainment licenses when it owes the town money and other establishments have paid their bills.

He cast the lone dissenting vote on a motion approved 4-1 by the board on Wednesday to grant license renewals to all local establishments contingent upon their bills being paid in full Dec. 21.

Van Dam made it clear that his dissent was aimed at the Red Rock and not the other businesses. He said the Red Rock was late last year, as well.

Typically the town renews businesses' licenses in December for the upcoming year. expects bills to be paid on time but it has provided for an exception — that the bills be paid to the town by the end of the year.

The bills include property taxes and water bills.

Red Rock owner Paul Petersiel said after last night's selectmen's meeting that it was unfair to announce a change to the town's practice in midstream.

The practice has been to grant licenses contingent upon the bills being paid — with interest.

"We pay," he said. "We pay a little late, but we pay."

He said winters can be tough on business.

He said the restaurant owes a $15,000 water bill.

Selectman Jill Sullivan pointed out during the meeting that Red Rock has paid its bills in the past. They have paid late but they have also paid the money with interest — 14 percent.

The town has issued licenses contingent on the bill being paid, she said.

"This is a practice we have followed," she said.

Town Administrator Andrew Maylor said the town informed two people ahead of time that they risked not having their licenses renewed if they did not pay their bills by Wednesday's meeting.

The administrator did not name the people whom the town informed.

Going forward, selectmen said, they will require bills to be paid in full before they renew licenses.