Shipwreck'd Restaurant Receives Approval for Limited Live Music License After Neighborhood Compromise
Select Board grants twice-weekly acoustic performances ending by 8 p.m. following concerns from Channel Street residents about noise and amplification
HULL - July 9 - The Hull Select Board approved a modified entertainment license for Shipwreck’d restaurant at 173 Main Street on Tuesday, allowing limited live music performances after the business owner agreed to significant restrictions to address neighborhood concerns.
Lillian Parker, manager of PF Hospitality doing business as Shipwreck’d, originally requested permission for live music consisting of vocals with three instruments - guitar, keyboard and percussion - with string amplification for speakers, a sound bar and microphone. The initial proposal sought entertainment Thursday through Sunday, with hours ranging from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Following input from Channel Street residents and board members, Parker agreed to a compromise limiting performances to twice weekly, no more than four hours per session, ending no later than 8 p.m., with no consecutive weekend nights and a maximum of two-person acoustic entertainment.
"We've had multiple requests as to whether or not we would be offering live music," Parker told the board. "It's not something I pursued initially until we could kind of feel out our audience, whether or not it's the right venue for it. And just based on feedback we've received from various patrons, it seems like something that the public wants."
Lisa Scannell of Channel Street expressed strong opposition to the original proposal, citing concerns about noise carrying through the neighborhood.
"I really don't want to have to listen to a band for up to nine hours on a given day when I'm trying to enjoy the peace and quiet of my own home," Scannell said. "In our neighborhood, where we are, the sound carries. So anything that's amplified, the noise is going to carry."
A neighbor echoed similar concerns, emphasizing the residential character of the area and questioning the need for amplification in such a small venue.
"This is a very small community. And it's a town made up of residents. Our tax base is residents," the resident said. "If you've been down to the Shipwreck and you've looked at that space, the footprint is smaller than the footprint of my home. There's no reason for it to be amplified."
Board member Greg Grey initially suggested a trial approach with one-day event licenses rather than a standing entertainment license.
"I would rather have us give you like a one-day event license. That's the trial," Grey said. "If you do the trial and it works out, that gives us all a better idea of what it's going to be like."
Parker expressed concerns about the feasibility of repeatedly returning to the board for individual approvals.
"I own two businesses in town. I spend a lot of time, often 15, 16 hours a day. And so to come back to the board every time I want to schedule something without actually knowing if the schedule is going to go through, that wouldn't be feasible for me," Parker said.
The discussion revealed confusion about the definition of "amplification" in the application, with Parker clarifying she intended small speakers rather than large sound systems.
"When I was writing the application, my point of using the word amplification and how it's perceived versus what I'm looking to ask for, that's why I tried to be very broad but yet more specific with sound bar," Parker explained.
Town Manager Jennifer Constable noted the town lacks a noise ordinance with specific decibel levels, making it difficult to define amplification precisely.
Board member Brian McCarthy referenced previous issues with outdoor music at other establishments, noting that amplified music often leads to increased crowds and associated noise.
"When you get music there, you're going to get more people there. And when you hear music, people are talking over it. So it's not even just listening to the music, but it's also the talk too," McCarthy said.
Parker demonstrated willingness to compromise throughout the discussion, offering to reduce hours and limit the frequency of performances.
"I'm amicable to pulling the hours back. I tried to restrict them to 8 and 10 p.m., thinking that those were reasonable. If the residents are happier if we cut it off at 8 and 6, I'd be fine with that as well," Parker said.
One resident, Abby Klieman of Kenton Avenue, offered support for the business, noting Parker's contributions to the community.
"Lillian has two businesses in a town that doesn't have a whole lot, and she's been killing herself to do everything that she can to improve the Shipwreck’d space," Klieman said.
Randy Gould suggested the compromise represented a reasonable starting point, noting that residents closer to Shipwreck’d than the Channel Street complainants supported the proposal.
Chair Irwin Nesoff praised Parker's willingness to work with the board and neighbors on finding a solution.
"I just want to say on behalf of the board, we really appreciate you willing to compromise and work with us in this way," Nesoff said.
The final motion, made by Grey and seconded by Nesoff, passed unanimously with the restrictions: entertainment no more than twice a week, sessions no longer than four hours, no later than 8 p.m., no more than two consecutive weekend nights, and up to two-person acoustic performances only.
Other Select Board Business:
• The board approved an Agent Orange Day Ceremony at Hull Veterans Memorial for Aug. 10 at 7 p.m., organized by the Hull War Memorial Commission
• Hull Yacht Club received approval for a one-day alcohol license for their croquet tournament at Mariners Park on July 19