LEWES, Del. - Big Oyster Brewery in Lewes is facing significant local opposition, resulting in the cancellation of its live music events.
According to a letter from the brewery, a group of residents recently gathered signatures for a petition against Big Oyster's live music, outdoor speakers, and children's play area. Big Oyster says the complaint has been submitted to the Delaware Alcoholic Beverage Control Commissioner (DABCC).
This has led to an upcoming hearing, necessitating immediate changes at the brewery. That hearing is scheduled for Aug.28 at 5 p.m.
"It was extremely loud," says LaToya Cook, who lives in the Jefferson Apartments. "It was disturbing... especially when the kids will be here."
Kaylee Oliphant also lives in the Jefferson Apartments and says the music doesn't bother her or her family.
"We usually can hear it when we're sitting at the park, so we usually just kind of sit down and just chill and vibe," Oliphant says.
The petition states that in June the Big Oyster applied with the Alcoholic Beverage Control Commissioner to expand the square footage of its licensed patio. It also says the business wants a variance to allow for live entertainment, speakers and amplifiers, a paging system and a wet bar on its backyard patio. However, Big Oyster manager Dominic Dorsey says they're not trying to add to what's already on the property.
"The stage is technically off the property of the restaurant, what's our liquor license? We got a revision last month," Dorsey says. "We have a parking lot back there, so it's already a part of the property. We're just trying to get revised so we can have the permit back for the music."
Jane Levandoski lives in the Bay Breeze housing development and is against the Big Oyster Brewery getting its live music permit back. She says she plans to attend the meeting about the live music permit.
"I think what they're doing now is okay, but any expansion I think is going to cause us more trouble with more noise in later times unless they're really good noise mitigation measures and so forth," Levandoski says. "If there are some kind of, engineering structures, controls they can put up to block the noise from traveling outside of their perimeter, that might be helpful."
The brewery says it's facing opposition to its live music, outdoor speakers, and children's play area and is now asking for signatures on its support letter. CoastTV spoke with a neighbor in the Lodge community across the street who didn't want to appear on camera but said the music isn't a problem.
"Big Oyster Brewery has always been and will continue to be a family-friendly establishment that welcomes everyone with open arms," a letter from the Brewery reads. "Our goal is to consistently provide great service, quality food, a welcoming atmosphere, and entertainment."
Big Oyster Brewery is encouraging its supporters to sign a support letter with their name and address, which can be submitted at the brewery. The brewery announced on Monday that it had opened up an online petition as well.
"We are sincerely grateful for your backing and hope to continue business as usual in the near future," the letter continues.
