An amendment to the special amusement license granted to T. Philbrook Enterprises, formerly known as the Boothbay Lobster Wharf, was unanimously approved at the Monday, July 13 Boothbay Harbor selectman’s meeting.

Their previously granted license was only for unamplified music. The Philbrooks, Tom and Susan, wished to amend the license to include both amplified music and dancing.

Neighbor Donna Piggott, who runs the Atlantic Ark Inn across the street from the fish pier, was not in favor of allowing the amendment.

“I have been in this area 30 years and I've had complaints from those staying. A customer on a Sunday was trying to read on my porch, and couldn't because the music was so distracting. Sunday should be a day of rest, and someone's entertainment shouldn't be for the whole east side.”

A few neighbors and local musicians spoke in favor of allowing the amendment.

“I have never found the music (at Boothbay Lobster Wharf) loud or obnoxious and I keep my windows open,” said John Hochstein of 142 Atlantic Ave.

“We've had 20 years of music on Sundays,” musician Garry Blackman said. “Sunday as a day of rest went out 50 years ago.”

The amended application was unanimously approved by the selectmen.

“I do have concerns about noise in the harbor, particularly the east side,” Piggott said the next day. “I was hoping the town might consider (as previously requested) non-amplified music, which isn't so ever present. But everyone needs to make the best of a short season, and I wish this gentlemen the best of luck in his enterprise.”

Related:

Outside music issues surface again

Selectmen put conditions on Rocktide's outdoor music license

Rocktide license reapproved with no conditions

New rules proposed regarding special amusement licenses