Reunion, Post Office Pub get OK for outdoor seating, but music questions remain

Outdoor seating will return to both Reunion Tap & Table and the Post Office Pub through December 1 to combat business losses caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“This is a game changer for all of us,” said Sargon Hanna, one of the three owners of Reunion. “Business has really dropped since the tents went down.”

While the Post Office Pub will have outdoor seating without a tent and will not be offering outdoor entertainment, Reunion intends to set up a large tent that will hold about 80 percent of the restaurant’s capacity. The 24 tables will be six feet apart in accordance with Covid regulations.

While the Post Office Pub sailed through its inquiry with little discussion, Hanna was a bit defensive when Planning Board Chairman Bob Hassinger asked him about plans for outdoor entertainment.

“Our plan is to go outside,” Hanna said. “If we need a special license, that would be news to us.”

Hanna added that last year’s complaints about noise were from just one neighbor, who objected to the outdoor musicians. Hanna stressed that music ends at 9 p.m.

“I don’t think this applies,” Hanna said, referring to the request for outdoor seating before the Planning Board. “I’m offended that it’s an issue.”

Both Hassinger and Hanna continued to bicker, to the point where Hassigner demanded that Town Planner Christopher McGoldrick place Hanna on mute so he could finish speaking.

“You’re changing your business to be predominately outside, Covid or not,” Hassigner said, noting that Reunion had submitted outdoor seating plans in accordance with Covid restrictions and without.

“If the governor gets rid of the 6-foot rule, I want to be able to put our tables out there,” Hanna said.

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