NORWAY — The Board of Selectmen voted unanimously Thursday evening to approve a liquor license and special amusement permit for two Oxford Hills residents looking to reopen the former Tucker’s Music Pub under a new name.
Tucker’s was owned and operated by Al and Anne Mallory from 2011 to Oct. 31, 2016.
Al Mallory, who with his wife helped attract bands to perform at the pub, said they opened the pub as a way of providing a place for local musicians to perform.
In October, Mallory said, “Everything runs its course and has to come to an end eventually.”
Two months later, Ryan Ricci of Paris appeared before the Planning Board and announced he was looking to reopen the pub under the name 290 Maine, and wanted to make some minor adjustments to the interior.
Ricci and his business partner, Peter Smedberg of Oxford, were at Thursday evening’s meeting to discuss their plans for the building at 290 Main St.
Ricci told the board he was looking to open a fully functioning restaurant and bar/pub in the building.
“Tucker’s had a beer and wine license, but nothing for liquor,” Ricci said. “We’re looking to have a full-functioning bar.”
He said he was looking to host occasional open-mic nights or music performances at the restaurant, and an amusement permit would allow them to host those events.
“I talked with (Fire Chief) Dennis Yates, and he said that if one person gets up and dances on the floor and you don’t have a permit, you’re in trouble,” Ricci said. “I’m just trying to cover everything and make sure our bases are covered.”
Selectman Thomas Curtis asked Ricci if he’s ever had experience operating a restaurant or bar.
Ricci said he has served as a kitchen manager at different locations, and has experience working in diverse kitchens, ranging from Kentucky Fried Chicken to four-star restaurants.
“I’ve seen it all,” he said.
Ricci added that he would make sure that any servers at the restaurant would be “qualified to serve alcohol.”
“I know there’s a whole bunch of alcohol classes that servers have to take about the state laws and overserving,” Ricci said. “Even though we’re a stone’s throw away from Main Street, we want to make sure we have educated people who have worked in the field. We don’t want any problems.”
He said the plan is to open 290 Main by mid-May, though he clarified that it was a tentative date that could change depending on the amount of work that goes into renovations.
In other business, the board voted unanimously to appoint Alan Coffin as a reserve police officer.
Police Chief Rob Federico said Coffin is a sergeant with the Oxford Police Department, and has worked for “20 years or so” in law enforcement.
“He’s also a veteran of the U.S. Army, has a commendation for bravery and a whole lot of certifications,” Federico added. “We’d love to have him here part time for when we have any open shifts.”
Ryan Ricci of Paris speaks with the Board of Selectmen Thursday evening on the new restaurant and bar that he is hoping to open at 290 Main Street in the building that formerly housed Tucker’s Music Pub. The board later voted unanimously to approve a liquor license and special amusement permit for Ricci and his business partner, Peter Smedberg.
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