SMITHFIELD – Liquor license fees for 16 Smithfield restaurants will be waived this year in the first unanimously approved decision of the new Town Council at its Dec. 2 meeting.
New Town Councilor David Tikoian proposed the change during the meeting, saying the changes will cost Smithfield only $11,400, and would greatly help local restaurants.
He said he felt waiving the fees would help ease the burden on restaurants caused by the pandemic, helping them be able to pay for rent or a utility bill.
Tikoian requested payment be deferred until 2021. Instead, the council decided to waive the annual fees for 2020. Tikoian applauded the council for its support of the motion.