East Greenwich Restaurant Working To Expand Entertainment

EAST GREENWICH, RI — LowKey Café is looking to expand its entertainment license to allow amplified music, DJs, local comedy shows, and more.

The Main Street tapas restaurant currently has a license for acoustic stereo-played music indoors and had booked musicians. But confusion over what was allowed under the license caused a misunderstanding for owner Zachary Flanders.

"For a first-time owner, everything seemed to be running smoothly, but that all changed on Halloween," Flanders said.

Police on Halloween told Flanders having a DJ wasn't covered under the stereo license, so on Jan 24., Flanders appeared before the Town Council to try to get the license he needs."

"I'd like the ability to have entertainment like this like other venues do, so I can compete successfully," Flanders said.

But for the Town Council, Flanders' proposal is too broad. Several members of the council said what he was asking for sounded more like a nightclub than a restaurant.

Flanders' proposal had asked for dancing to be allowed, which concerned some council members. Flanders said the only reason he asked for dancing to be allowed was, so he wouldn't be in violation of the license if people decide to dance.

"I'm not trying to have LowKey be a club or just a music venue," Flanders said. "It's a restaurant first, but I want it to be eclectic"

Council Vice President Michael Donegan said that's not how a dance floor license would work.

"I think it's when the business is sponsoring dancing as an open activity,"Donegan said.

The council asked for Flanders to narrow his focus before approving a license. Council members want to know how many days he'll have entertainment and specifically what type will be allowed.

Flanders and the council agreed to continue the hearing on Feb. 28.