This chapter is known as the "Town Victualers, Innkeepers and Lodging House Ordinance" and referred to hereafter as "this chapter."
The purpose of this chapter is to control the issuance of licenses to the various food service establishments in the Town.
For the purposes of this chapter, the following definitions apply:
INNKEEPER
A person who keeps an inn, bed-and-breakfast establishment, hotel or motel to provide lodging to travelers and others for compensation.[1]
LODGING HOUSE
A building in which three or more rooms are rented, but it does not include:
A. 
A house where lodgings are rented to persons within the second degree of kindred to the person operating the lodging house;
B. 
The dormitories of charitable, educational or philanthropic institutions; or
C. 
The emergency use of private dwelling houses at the time of conventions or similar public gatherings.
PREMISES
All lands, buildings, structures, places, and also the equipment and appurtenances connected or used therewith in any business, and also any personal property which is either affixed to or is otherwise used in connection with any such business conducted on such premises.
VICTUALER
A person who serves food or drink prepared for consumption on the premises by the public.
[1]
Editor's Note: The definition of "Licensing Board," which immediately followed this definition, as amended 5-30-2018 by Ord. No. 04-18, was repealed 5-9-2022.
No person may operate as a victualer or innkeeper or operate a lodging house within the Town unless licensed to do so by the Town, unless specifically waived by the Town. Applications for victualers' licenses are to be made in writing upon forms supplied by the Town Clerk and state the name of the applicant; his/her residence and mailing addresses; the name of the business to be conducted; his/her business address; the location(s) to be used; residence and business telephone numbers; and the date of the application. Upon receipt of the application, the Town Clerk shall refer the same to the Code Enforcement Officer for a determination to assure compliance with the ordinances, statutes and regulations of the Town of Kittery and State of Maine.
[1]
Editor's Note: Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1.1, Code Adoption).
[Amended 5-9-2022]
A. 
The municipal officers may hold a public hearing on any original application for a license for food service within 30 days of the date the request was received, at which time the testimony of the applicant and that of any interested members of the public is to be taken. The applicant must be notified of the hearing date.
B. 
The Town Manager may review and approve any renewal application for a license for food service within 30 days of the date the request was received.
C. 
The Town is to grant a license unless it is found that issuance of such license will be detrimental to the public health, safety or welfare or would be in violation of any Town or state ordinance, rules or regulations.
The municipal officers may, after a public hearing, suspend or revoke any license for noncompliance with the ordinances, statutes and regulations of the Town of Kittery and State of Maine.
[Amended 5-30-2018 by Ord. No. 04-18]
Each person initially licensed as an innkeeper or victualer or to operate a lodging house must pay to the Town Clerk a fee as set out in Appendix A. All licenses, unless otherwise provided, are for 12 months' duration. The renewal fee of said victualer's license is as set out in Appendix A.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: See § A-8.
[Added 5-9-2022[1]]
A. 
Any person aggrieved by the decision of the Town Manager may appeal such decision to the Town Council. The Town Council, after a public hearing, may affirm or reverse the Town Manager's decision.
B. 
Any person aggrieved by the decision of the Town Council may appeal such decision to the Superior Court as otherwise provided by law and Rule 80(B) M.R.C.P.
[1]
Editor's Note: This ordinance also repealed former § 5.3.8, Annual license hearing.
[Amended 5-9-2022]
Any violation of this chapter will be assessed a penalty of $250. Each day any violation of this chapter continues constitutes a separate offense.