Bradenton Beach commissioners reviewed the fine print before making adjustments to a lease for Anna Maria Oyster Bar restaurant owner John Horne.
Commissioners then voted April 6 to approve an updated concessionaire agreement.
AMOB requested a revised agreement that allows expansion, including a food-and-beverage kiosk outside the restaurant’s existing footprint.
The restaurant’s footprint for alcohol consumption had been limited to a covered outdoor seating area, with the remainder of the pier designated as a no-alcohol zone.
With the changes requested by Horne, the restaurant would reach 1,400 square feet, as well as hold the exclusive right to sell alcohol on the pier.
On April 6, city attorney Ricinda Perry outlined recommended revisions and reviewed details in the agreement between Horne and the city.
She said the original lease was set to expire in December 2035 but with changes negotiated by We’re Back Inc., AMOB’s corporate entity, the agreement would extend to 2045.
Commissioner Jake Spooner voiced concern about the length of the term.
“It’s a long time,” he said, with Horne in the gallery. “I’m happy with their performance and everything you guys did but I’m a little reserved about doing it for the rest of my life.”
“Say down the road We’re Back sells this location to another operator. Are we still then locked into another 22 years with an unknown operator?” Spooner asked.
Perry said the agreement states if We’re Back were to sell, the city has the right to approve or refuse a new operator, adding that there was no need to vote until everyone felt comfortable with the changes.
Horne, however, asked that a decision be made soon.
“I’ve got a vacant piece of unit that’s not making anyone money,” Horne said, referring to a kiosk AMOB will use for a food-and-drink station. “I can’t move forward with the beverage license, etc. There’s a lot of things that are sitting on hold right now. I’m not rushing but this is the second month of meetings. I thought we were all in agreement last month.”
Perry said there’s still a need for the stakeholders to clarify in a drawing where alcohol will be allowed and where it will be prohibited on the pier. Such areas would be marked with signage.
It’s already been decided — per an order from Bradenton Beach Police Chief John Cosby — that there will be no open alcohol containers on the floating dock.
Another revision requires the use of biodegradable, easily identifiable containers to designate pier-only alcohol and to cut down on litter.
Spooner motioned to approve the concessionaire agreement, with revisions from Perry on behalf of the city.
The motion was seconded by Commissioner Jan Vosburgh and passed 3-0. Commissioners Marilyn Maro and Ralph Cole were absent with excuse.
The vote allows AMOB to move forward with implementing the service kiosk, pending the diagram identifying boundaries for alcoholic beverages.
“We’re very grateful and happy that we have what I think is such a great partnership,” Chappie said after the vote.
“We appreciate it,” Horne said. “We’ve got a great team and we want to continue being here for another 25 years.”