Despite concerns from neighbors over high noise levels, the owners of the new Inn at Shipyard Park in Mattapoisett were granted an entertainment license by the Board of Selectmen on April 26.

Under the license, owners Nils Johnson and Andrea Perry are permitted to have amplified music, television and dancing until 12:45 a.m and six performers at a time. The pair already received approval for a liquor license.

The hearing, originally scheduled for Monday, April 23, was postponed to Thursday due to a large turnout, which exceeded Town Hall's maximum space capacity.

The Selectmen and Johnson received letters, emails and phone calls from residents concerned over possible disruptions caused by the new Inn, formerly the Kinsale Inn.

Abutter Mary Butler said the neighbors want to welcome the new owners, but suggested an earlier cutoff for music.

“I hope you’ll understand a little bit about what we’re concerned about,” she said. “I can’t understand why there can’t be some restrictions."

Selectman Jordan Collyer disagreed.

“We can’t deny his rights to have a fair application hearing and to grant him a license that is equal to that of which has been provided to every other establishment in this town,” said Collyer. “For us to restrict Mr. Johnson in his endeavor, would be voluntarily chastising him for something he has not had a chance to prove yet.”

Johnson tried to clear up misunderstandings as to the nature of the business.

“There’ve been a lot of embellishments of what we plan to do,” said Johnson. “We plan to bring the food level up from what it is. The percentages are sixty percent food to forty percent liquor sales. That seems to have been ignored.”

Johnson said he wants to preserve the integrity of the inn where his grandparents and parents have dined.

“I read a bunch of letters that questioned my integrity towards the town of Mattapoisett,” he said. “I found it a bit insulting.”

Selectman Tyler Callister, “I think this could be a very good opportunity to revitalize an establishment that maybe went a little south over the last few years.”

Resident Pat Donoghue said that people can be loud leaving the Inn, but added that she was delighted to have “a young, ambitious local person” at the inn.

“For myself, my family, my friends the inn is very much the heart of the village,” she said.

Police Chief Mary Lyons suggested angling the music towards the restaurant instead of the street, and adding a vestibule that would buffer sound.

“This is a learning curve for everybody,” said Lyons, “I have no reason not to support the entertainment license. There are a number of reasons it can be evoked, but I hope we don’t have to go there.”

Selectman Paul Silva agreed.

“With having a liquor license and an entertainment license comes a lot of responsibility. I’m sure you’ll do your best,” Silva said. “I think your neighbors also have to be reasonable to know that they are living adjacent to a restaurant that has entertainment.”

Johnson who also owns The Bitter End in Fairhaven, said, “We will try to be as accommodating as possible. Our intent is to have as few hassles as possible.”

Perry said they plan to reopen the Inn by May 14.