Swampscott Select Board approves liquor license for new performing arts center

SWAMPSCOTT — June 8, 2026 — Swampscott Select Board unanimously approves liquor license for new performing arts center while tabling its entertainment license over noise concerns. The board voted 5-0 on June 8 to approve the retail alcoholic beverage license for the Swampscott Center for Performing Arts, clearing the way for the application to advance to the state Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission, where state Representative Jenny Armini has agreed to help expedite review. Two neighbors — including Karen Smith of 209 Humphrey Street, who said her bedroom window is "a stone's throw" from the property — raised concerns about amplified sound and late-night crowds in a public hearing before the vote. The entertainment license was tabled to the board's June 17 meeting after member Ted said he would not vote without the applicant present to answer questions about programming, noting the application covers everything from trivia nights to live bands of up to eight instruments. A noise complaint received just the prior weekend from a Monument Avenue resident about an event at adjacent Mission on the Bay added urgency, with member Danielle saying the board could not ignore "a very real thing" that happened "a week ago."