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NB Beer, Wine Served Closer to Schools: 1st Special Permit Hearing 4-21

Under new regulations approved last month, Pacileo's Apizza & Pasta restaurant is back on the agenda April 21; for a North Branford Planning and Zoning Commission (PZC) public hearing for a special permit application to serve beer and wine at it's restaurant next to Jerome Harrison Elementary School (JHS) property. The special permit application is the PZC's first since approving the new regulations on March 3.

The April 21 public hearing is part of the PZC's regular meeting, which starts at 7 p.m. in Town Council Chambers in Town Hall. The special permit application requires a public hearing before the PZC decides on whether to grant the request.

Pacileo's opened a newly constructed North Branford location about three months ago at 285 Foxon Road on the corner of Merrick Drive. The JHS playing field, playground and school building are located on land separated from Pacileo's by Merrick Drive.

With the special use permit, full-service restaurants can disregard the required 500 foot minimum between schools and other sensitive sites, and will be allowed to retail beer and wine table-side (no bar service) for on-site consumption with no minimum distance required between any church, synagogue, college, school, park or playground; although the PZC will determine a permitted reduced distance on a case-by-case basis by taking into consideration specifics such as location.

On March 3, following an extensive public hearing process with supporters and detractors weighing in, the PZC approved adding the special permit process to the town's zoning regulations. The commission sought the new process in part to allow for better town oversight because state language not regulated by town zoning currently allows patrons to bring their own alcoholic beverage (BYOB) to North Branford restaurants which don't retail liquor, regardless of location.