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Backyard Milton liquor license approved

Protest hearing draws overwhelming support for restaurant
August 4, 2013

The show will go on. A liquor license was approved for the new Backyard Milton restaurant following a protest hearing with the Alcoholic Beverage Control Commissioner July 24 in Georgetown. More than 30 neighbors signed a petition protesting the restaurant's application to serve alcohol on its patio and a variance to allow outdoor entertainment and speakers.

Owner Ami Rae said there was an overwhelming amount of support for her restaurant at the hearing.

"This is just a first step in our mission to make our community even stronger," she said.

During the weeks leading up to the hearing, a petition in favor of Rae's application drew more than 200 signatures and several members of the community voiced their support on the restaurant's Facebook page.

Rae, who also owns the Vintage Cafe on Union Street, presented her case first at the hearing, and many of those in protest seemed satisfied with her explanation and plan.

"After listening to the presentation, many felt their concerns were unfounded," she said. "Many of them even apologized. If not friends, I gained customers."

Rae said the initial plan was to open last fall, but construction fell behind. The new target opening is some time in August. No firm date has been set.

Rae describes the restaurant as a market, restaurant and bakery that will offer breakfast, lunch and dinner. The food will be American style with a focus on Eastern Shore Sussex County. She will buy from Milton farmers and growers for seasonal ingredients.

She said she was seeking a wet bar license in order to occasionally serve alcohol on the patio. The plan is to have a small seven-seat bar inside the restaurant. However, if an event is being held at the restaurant, she said, she did not want to have to apply for a permit every time. The speaker request, she said, will allow for music to be played for those dining on the patio as well as occasional live entertainment.

The restaurant will be located at 211 Broadkill Road in Milton. For updates on the restaurant's progress, go to its Facebook page at www.facebook.com/pages/The-Backyard-Milton/363712300371986.

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