Shhhh! Smolak Entertainment License on Hold for Noise Discussions

When you think of Smolak Farms, you may think of their cider donuts, their petting zoo, fresh produce or holiday whimsy. But some residents nearby think "noise."

At Monday night's Board of Selectmen meeting, selectmen voted to delay Smolak Farms' entertainment license renewal to address noise complaints from neighbors.

There was to be a vote to renew all licenses in town for 2014. But then attorney Tim Schiavoni of Haverhill stood at the podium to request that renewal Smolak Farms' entertainment license be held off.

Schiavoni represents several residents near Smolak Farms who say the entertainment at Smolak's is just too loud.

"These individuals are concerned that the growth of the entertainment there is infringing on their property rights and their expectant peace and quality of their residences," Schiavoni told the board.

Smolak Farms has expanded at an impressive rate in recent years, in large part because of its stepped-up events schedule. Their summer Whim dinner series has become very popular, as have the other nighttime events held there.

Schiavoni emphasized that his clients are not trying to stop Smolak Farms from having an entertainment license. Instead, they are asking that discussions be held about possible entertainment hours restrictions and relocation of entertainment on the property.

Selectmen will discuss the issue again during their next meeting on Jan 6. Smolak Farms' entertainment license runs from May to December, so the delay is not expected to hinder their operations in the meantime.

"The business has significantly expanded in the time since the license was granted," Selectman Tracy Watson said.

But selectmen picked Jan. 6 to have the matter settled as quickly as possible, because Smolak Farms may already be booking its entertainment for the spring.