Approximately 40 people came out to support the Quahog Republic at a Planning Board public hearing on May 14 concerning the company's proposed restaurant and bar to be located 197 Onset Ave., across from the Onset Pier.

Audience members stood up during the public comment portion of the hearing, many of them members of local business organizations, and gave so many comments of support that Planning Board Chairman George Barrett stated: "I suppose I would make this a lot shorter if I asked if there was anyone in opposition to this." No one stood up to comment.

The Planning Board ultimately voted to draft an approval of the Quahog Republic's site plan for the proposed location upon the condition that certain requirements be met.

"It was great," Quahog Republic co-owner Erik Bevans said of the applause that broke out after nearly every positive comment. "It was great to hear the people stand up and applaud like that. With the challenges we've had, it was so nice to feel and hear that kind of support."

The Quahog Republic is a seasonal restaurant and bar that is open from late spring to early fall. A Falmouth location is heading into its third year of operation. A previous Quahog Republic on Mashnee Island in Bourne closed in 2009 after ownership of the property changed hands, said Bevans.

The company has the theme, "Live, Give, and Relax" and tries to represent the "Cape Cod way of life," said co-owner Tom Hughes, by giving back to the community through charity projects, social events, and by giving the designation of "Official Citizens" to customers of the establishment. The company also sells clothing and accessories.

The company has been renting the 197 Onset Ave. property since February in hopes of opening an Onset location, said Bevans.

Company representatives went before the Board of Selectmen on April 10 to apply for a seasonal liquor license, but were met with concerns about the ability of customers drinking alcoholic beverages at the restaurant's proposed outdoor seating to interact with passersby.

A previous site plan for the restaurant featured outdoor seating that was separated from the public property by a short bar rail. The Selectmen were concerned that the bar rail was not tall enough and that customers would be able to pass alcoholic beverages back and forth.

The Selectmen were also concerned that the company, which is also seeking a public entertainment license, would have entertainment in the establishment at the same time that public events were being held in the area during the summer.

The new site plan presented to the Planning Board on Monday showed an eight-foot high barrier with large glass panes around the outdoor seating that would allow customers to look out, but not to interact with passersby.

Bevans said after the meeting that entertainment would not occur during public events. "We've taken into consideration that there are a lot of events ... and we don't want to be in competition with that," he said.

The Planning Board questioned the Quahog Republic representatives about the extent of the new barrier, the lighting on the outside of the facility, the layout of the restaurant, and parking, but ultimately voted favorably on the site plan.

"[We've] had some concerns, such as being separate from the street … and I think you've addressed that," said Barrett.

Members of the audience reacted even more favorably.

"I'm so happy to see another business come into our village," said Winna Dean, an Onset resident and member of the Onset Bay Association Board of Directors. She added that the property had been a drinking establishment in the past.

Marie Oliva, the president and CEO of the Cape Cod Canal Region Chamber of Commerce, agreed that more business would be good for Onset.

"It's very important to create economic development … It's good for the quality of life and it provides jobs in the area," Oliva said. "We support it on behalf of the Chamber."

The next step is for the Quahog Republic to get approval for a seasonal liquor license. Representatives are scheduled to appear before the Board of Selectmen on May 22.

Members of the Board of Selectmen suggested in the April that if the Planning Board approved the site plan, they would look favorably on granting the liquor license, said Bevans.

If the Board of Selectmen approves the Quahog Republic's application for a liquor license, the restaurant will likely open in mid-June, Bevans said.

The Quahog Republic would be open 7 days per week until Labor Day and then Thursday through Sunday until Halloween. Food would be served from 11:30 a.m. until 11 p.m. daily, with alcoholic beverages served until 1 a.m. Last call would generally be at 11:30 p.m., barring a special event such as a late night Red Sox game, Bevans said.

For more information about the Quahog Republic, visit www.quahogrepublic.com.