Councilors in Sanford were deeply divided Tuesday over whether or not to renew the licenses for Fresh Start Catering at Mousam View Place ”“ a business that was recently accused of hosting sex parties that violated town codes.
After much spirited discussion, the council OK’d new liquor, victualers, special amusement and dance licenses for Fresh Start Catering, in a close 4-3 vote.
We believe they made the right choice.
Those councilors who voted in favor of renewing the licenses cited fairness, compassion and second chances. It’s those values that build community, rather than taking a heavy hand unnecessarily, and they’re right to take a more lenient approach with this issue.
The council’s renewal vote came just days after the town, citing code violations, issued a cease and desist order to James and Susan Colley to stop allowing sex parties for swingers at the banquet hall they lease at 47 High St., known as Mousam View Place. An undercover police operation during a swingers party at Mousam View Place Oct. 15 revealed the alleged violations of town codes involving tumultuous conduct, public indecency and obscenity. The announcement of the code violations ”“ some of which stemmed from serving food and drink nearby while patrons were “in full nudity and engaging in a variety of sex acts,” according to the Code Enforcement Office letter ”“ shocked many in town.
It seems obvious that emotion over the activities that reportedly occurred at the site swayed more than one councilor’s decision. The council was not in the position, however, to decide whether or not the sex parties were morally acceptable. Only the alleged code violations should have been in consideration, and considering all of the violations involved consenting adults out of sight of the general public, it would have been an overreaction to deny the Colleys their license renewals.
What would be the sense of shutting down a business, particularly in this economy, for a first-time code violation? Without the appropriate licenses, the business would certainly be unable to operate, and other than life/safety code violations, it’s rare to hear of licenses being denied for a first-time violation.
James Colley apologized publicly Tuesday for making a “monumental business error,” acknowledging that the code violations are a serious issue. He also submitted a letter to the town stating that the parties would no longer be held at the banquet hall.
We take him at his word.
Without a history of code violations or disregard for town ordinance, the council should also trust that Colley will be good to his word, and we’re glad they are giving him another chance ”“ especially with a review set in six months to check in.
We’re confident the police will be keeping an eye on the business and on those who participated in the swingers group to assure that they do not pursue future gatherings that would violate indecency or prostitution laws.
It’s questionable whether the Colleys will be able to continue to make a living with their business now that word’s gotten out about the parties.
But this action by the council at least gives them a chance to clear their names and get on with their business, while getting their company out of the spotlight of town scrutiny.
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Today’s editorial was written by Managing Editor Kristen Schulze Muszynski on behalf of the Journal Tribune Editorial Board. Questions? Comments? Contact Kristen by calling 282-1535, Ext. 322, or via e-mail at kristenm@journaltribune.com.
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