HomeMy WebLinkAbout04 The Break New Live Entertainment
Felicia R Penn
August 16, 2025
John Flores, Chair and Members
Barnstable Licensing Authority
Barnstable Town Hall: 357 Main Street
Hyannis, MA. 02601
Dear Mr. Flores and Members of the Licensing Authority,
I write in response to the ad published in the Barnstable Patriot, Friday, August 15, 2025, advertising the hearing
for a new entertainment license for daily outdoor amplified music until 10PM at “The Break”, 235 Ocean St,
Hyannis.
I ask that you deny this request for the following reasons:
▪ There is no way to contain the sound on this property, since the outdoor covered patio is less than 5’ from
the sidewalk, and it is entirely open, with no walls or doors.
▪ “The Break” is the last structure in the commercial district, and borders two residential neighborhoods:
one beside it on Ocean Street and one across the street on Channel Point Rd and other streets.
If the purpose of live music is to entertain the patrons of the restaurant, then the music should be located inside,
where the patrons are—either upstairs in the official dining room or downstairs in the bar. Situating the music
outside on the patio, where less than 20 patrons may be seated indicates they wish to use the music to attract
customers, which is a marketing function, not entertainment for the customers they have.
I have lived in my home since 1953—long before Ocean Street was commercialized. This building, 235 Ocean
Street, was the home of the Hersey family. There was no motel next door...just a field with houses. Behind it was
a 2-stall horse stable, and two small houses. Next to it were three more 2-bedroom houses, one of which my
home economics teacher, Mrs. Bellman, lived in. There was no Old Colony Rd. There was no Hy-Line. I have
witnessed a lot of change.
The Break is a welcome addition to Ocean Street. Their food is very good, and their staff is accommodating. Last
year, when their kitchen opened and they were still remodeling, we supported them, as well as during the off-
season. We have recommended them to many of our friends. But their location does not support up to three
pieces of amplified outside entertainment daily until 10pm.
Thank you for your consideration and denial.
Sincerely,
Felicia R Penn
1
Logan, Erin
From:Laura Notarangelo
Sent:Wednesday, August 20, 2025 8:53 AM
To:Logan, Erin
Subject:The Break permit comments
Good morning,
I'd like to chime in regarding the entertainment permit update The Break restaurant is seeking. I am a big
fan of this restaurant, and think it's perfectly fine as is. It's an extremely small space and I do not think
amped live music is necessary, nor are additional TVs. I fear this would detract from the experience of
dining out instead of add to it. What happened to people going out to eat to enjoy the food and each
other's company, vs. needing to be constantly "entertained" and over-stimulated? Noise and light
pollution are ever-increasing, and if we could enjoy our meals with a touch less, I think we would all be
better off. Given that this restaurant is located at the Harbor and there's constant action with the ferries,
there are plenty of other sources of light, music, loud noises, traffic, and constant low-grade stress to our
already frazzled 2025 nervous systems. I prefer when restaurants DO NOT have live music and TVs.
Thanks for listening to my concerns,
Laura Notarangelo