NEW SHOREHAM, R.I. (WPRI) — A hearing is scheduled for Monday night to determine whether or not licenses for Ballard’s Beach Resort should be revoked or suspended.
New Shoreham Town Council will hold a show cause hearing for Ballard’s, following a tumultuous evening that included a pair of fights: one during a festival at Ballard’s and another on the Block Island Ferry.
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Police said one person was arrested when a fight broke out on the dance floor at Ballard’s, and seven others were taken into custody after a brawl on the ferry later that night. It is unclear if the fight on the ferry is connected to the fight at Ballard’s.
Following the incidents, town councilors approved a resolution requiring town leaders to review liquor licensing ordinances in all Rhode Island cities and towns to see if Block Island can build upon its current ordinances.
The resolution also calls for a new working group led by the town manager that would include police and fire, along with liquor license holders and the ferry company.
Monday’s hearing will also determine if other penalties should be issued to the resort.
Kim Poland, a representative for Ballard’s owner Steven Filippi, told 12 News they’re now re-evaluating hosting concerts and festivals at Ballard’s.
The Roots and Rhythm Festival was not held as planned on Sunday, according to Poland. It would have been the resort’s final festival of the summer.
