A series of events held after permitted hours — and a series of Facebook posts promoting said events — has landed the Onset Beach Patio & Grille in hot water, as the Select Board voted to suspend its liquor license for a period of 60 days starting on Wednesday, Sept. 18.

The suspension comes as a punishment for the business breaking the terms of its liquor and entertainment licenses.

According to the Select Board, the Patio & Grille’s weekend hours are 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., as listed on its liquor and entertainment licenses.

In a series of Facebook posts starting Wednesday, July 31, the business organized and advertised late-night dancing from 8 p.m. to 1 p.m. on its deck — after its allowed hours.

At the same time, the business was in contact with the Select Board, asking about amending the hours of its licenses. 

Select Board Chair Judith Whiteside sent business owner Frank Evangelista a letter explaining the process for doing so, dated Wednesday, Aug. 7. In that letter, Whiteside said the process would take several weeks and would require a public hearing, and gave Tuesday, Sept. 3 as the earliest date for that hearing.

In response, the business posted the letter on its Facebook page with a note saying the live music and dancing would have to be cancelled for the rest of the season.

“We actually did try to amend [the license] and this was the response,” wrote the business. “We just feel bad as we were trying to add to the community with more activities.”

The Select Board took a less charitable view of the business’ actions.

“Some persons might conclude that by your own postings, you’ve admitted to operating outside of your permitted hours,” said attorney to the Select Board Richard Bowen, reading from a narrative addressed to the business owner.

Evangelista did not show up for a disciplinary hearing scheduled by the Select Board for Tuesday, Sept. 3.

The Select Board, after discussion, voted 5-0 to suspend the business’ liquor license for a period of 60 days starting Wednesday, Sept. 18.

“You’re making us look like idiots for your mistakes and not wanting to follow the rules,” said Chadwick.

The Patio & Grille has the opportunity to appeal the suspension.