Save Midnight Hookah

Report on Economic Development ramifications of BYOB Ordinance as approved by the Groton Town Council. By Michael Whitehouse Respectfully submitted September 3rd, 2018 Summary The BYOB Ordinance as approved by the Groton Town Council will have negative effects on economic development in four areas: The likely closure of a locally owned business and loss of late night entertainment Town reputation and business recruitment Events, conference, and special events Loss of downstream economic activity From an economic development standpoint, there are no clear benefit to this ordinance. On September 12th, 2018, the RTM will consider vetoing this ordinance. A veto requires a ⅔ vote of members in attendance to pass. Purpose and Background I became interested in the ramifications of this ordinance based on my considerable experience as an event organizer. On countless occasions, organizations I have worked with have suffered economic losses or elected not to...

The following letter by Michael Whitehouse was shared with members of the Representative Town Meeting on September 3rd, 2018 Fellow Representatives, I would like to share with you some information which I have acquired in researching the BYOB Ordinance. Background Prior to doing this research, I had no personal interest in this issue. In all of my time in Groton, I have not participated in any activities that would have been affected by this ordinance, nor did I know anyone personally whose business would have been affected by this ordinance. My interest in this ordinance was purely as a Representative and a citizen of Groton. During the course of this research, I have spoken with Town Councilors Heede, Franco, and Obrey, Mayor Granatosky, Police Chief Fusaro, Economic Development Chair Young, Midnight Hookah owner Hassam Abudawood, various Midnight Hookah staff and customers, staff at Henny Penny, Gulf Express on Route 12, The Groton Townhouse Restaurant, as well as an assor...

The following notice was issued to all members of the Representative Town Meeting (RTM). Notice of Passage ADOPTION OF AN ORDINANCE TO ESTABLISH HOURS OF OPERATION FOR BOP ESTABLISHMENTS Ordinance #289 was adopted by the Groton Town Council on August 7, 2018. BE IT ORDAINED BY THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF GROTON: 1. Findings . In recognition of the growing practice of allowing patrons to bring alcoholic beverages to restaurants, clubs, meeting spaces, lounges and the like in the Town of Groton which establishments are not otherwise licensed by the State of Connecticut Liquor Control Division; the Town seeks to preserve and promote the health, safety, welfare, and quality of life of its residents by defining, clarifying and regulating this practice at such establishments. 2. Purpose . The purpose of this ordinance is to regulate the practice of allowing patrons to bring their own alcohol to commercial establishments within the Town. 3. Definitions . Alcoholic...