Bamboo Grille Liquor License Renewed, Music Allowed

At the same time the Bamboo Grille's liquor license was on the list of licenses approved for another year, the Bernards Township Committee on Tuesday also agreed to allow the restaurant and bar begin offering outdoor live music on Thursday nights in exchange for quiet Sunday nights.

The committee had received correspondence from Jeff Beers of Growth Restaurants requesting permission for the Bamboo Grille, which has an outdoor patio, to hold live music outdoors between 7 to 11 p.m. on Thursday nights. In exchange, live music that previously wrapped up at 10 p.m. on Sundays will not be held, according to an agreement approved by the committee on Tuesday.

Previously, residents living near the Bamboo Grille had complained about noise from outdoor performances. However, following negotiations with the township, restaurant representatives and homeowners, a noise-muffling berm was constructed along the property line.

In addition, the Bamboo Grille has installed a directional amplification system that muffles the sound from further away, said Deputy Mayor John Carpenter.

"It's not inaudible, but it's significantly better," Carpenter said on Tuesday night. "We were never seeking complete silence."

Carpenter added that the neighbors indicated they were willing to go along with the switch from Sundays to Thursdays to allow live music.

Mayor Carolyn Gaziano said the goal had been to allow the Bamboo Grille to run a successful business while at the same time allowing neighbors to enjoy their property.

The additional list of liquor licenses approved on Tuesday night, without discussion by the Township Committee, included:

Plenary Retail Consumption Licenses

• Olde Mill Inn at Bernards Inc.
• The Ridge Tavern
• Vine Restaurant
• Café Rustica Inc.
• New Jersey National Golf Club, LLC
• Red Oak Grille At NJ National Golf Club
• 3West Restaurant
• Urban Table Restaurant
• Figaro 3 Pizzeria

Hotel Licenses

• Dolce Basking Ridge
• Basking Ridge Courtyard
• On the Ridge Restaurant

Plenary Retail Distribution Licenses

• Ridge Fine Wines
• Select Vintage Wines
• The Wine Rack