To the Editor:
When the voters of Tisbury head to the polls next Tuesday, May 9, we respectfully ask for your support of Question 1, which would essentially allow restaurants and inns with seating of over 30 persons to convert existing licenses to sell wine and malt beverages (beer/ale) to licenses for all alcoholic beverages.
As restaurant owners and managers operating in Tisbury, we are very much in favor of a yes vote on Question 1. We are eager to better serve our community and customers by offering the industry-standard beverage choices to enjoy along with the meal.
At first look, Question 1 may seem alarming to some residents of Tisbury. People tend to equate liquor sales with an atmosphere of uncontrolled drinking and loud customers.
At Garde East, our goal is quite the contrary. Like many other restaurants in Tisbury, we have worked hard to create a truly relaxing and elegant fine dining experience. Our core values and reputation are deeply rooted in the excellent cuisine of our chef, Robert Sisca, and the management of Matt Schulenberg and Amy Coffey.
Our staff of professionals have chosen to work with us because we are not a frenetic, loud restaurant. We support TIPS (Training in Intervention Procedures) alcohol training for all staff, as do most restaurants. We also provide training on the Massachusetts laws pertaining to the serving of alcoholic beverages.
We are not looking to create a bar scene or late-night crowd. The addition of liquor to our menu simply allows us to offer our customers choices similar to those at restaurants throughout the island and mainland.
We are proud to operate in Tisbury, a town that carefully considers the impact of change on the character and livelihood of its businesses.
A vote of yes on Question 1 will allow us to enhance our offerings and make Tisbury more competitive in attracting both restaurant customers and businesses alike.
Colin Geoffroy, president
G Hospitality
Falmouth
Mr. Geoffroy is president of G Hospitality. —Ed.