The Swampscott Select Board approved three liquor licenses at its meeting on May 7, paving the way for a soon-to-open eatery, an existing restaurant and a liquor store to sell alcohol in town.
Sam Walker’s, a new restaurant; a new liquor store; and existing Mexican restaurant Andrea’s Taqueria spoke with the Select Board. Prior to the vote, the town had four all-alcohol licenses available along with six special licenses, according to Select Board Member Katie Phelan.
Patrick Dillon, co-owner of Sam Walker’s, spoke in front of the Select Board with his business partner Shawn Ahern. The two own Sam Walker’s in Woburn, along with five other restaurants in Dorchester and South Boston.
“We feel like Swampscott is a really good opportunity for us,” Dillon said.
Dillon and Ahern plan to open a Sam Walker’s restaurant at 450 Paradise Road. It would have the same hours as the Woburn location: 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. on Saturday, and 10 a.m. to midnight on Sunday.
“I am incredibly excited that you’re coming to town,” said Select Board Chair Mary Ellen Fletcher.
The restaurant is currently going through the permitting process, but Dillon said he hopes to start demolition within the next week.
“If we can, (opening) is usually within a six-month timeframe,” Dillon said. “Late October, November is what we would be shooting for if everything goes well.”
William Sanchez, the owner of Andrea’s Taqueria at 646 Humphrey St., also addressed the board. While Sanchez was approved, his permit does not currently allow liquor service on the patio unless it is revised, according to the Select Board.
Kevin Lang requested a liquor license to start a high-end store called Swampscott Liquors, next to Andrea’s Taqueria. Lang currently operates a package store in Fenway in Boston.
A neighbor, however, was hesitant about Andrea’s Taqueria and Swampscott Liquors to obtain licenses. Joe DiPietro, who said he was representing himself and others who live on Glen Road, was concerned about the “deliveries on a small street.”
“It’s a narrow alleyway in the back of the building and it’s a small street,” DiPietro said. “It really wasn’t designed to have big trucks coming in and out of there.”
DiPietro said it would be “reckless” to allow alcohol at the locations. He added that there is a day care center and Phillips Park closeby.
“I just think it’s not appropriate,” DiPietro said.
Phelan raised that similar concerns were raised previously with Dockside Pub, and while the liquor license was not conditional the Select Board did voice its concerns and required a neighborly resolvement.
The Select Board ultimately approved licenses for both Andrea’s Taqueria and Swampscott Liquors.
Both Sanchez and Lang agreed that deliveries would be made through the front door and that they would be flexible with shipment times.
“We can tell the company to come at any time. It’s up to us,” Lang said. “We’ll hear from the neighbor and whatever the neighbor requires, we’ll follow too. Anything the neighbor wants we’ll follow too…You have to take care of the neighbor. That’s the most important thing for our business.”
