Almondy Inn Owners Oppose Smokehouse Cafe Entertainment License Request

Telling City Council members they're turning Newport into "Party Central," the owners of the Almondy Inn are opposed to a request by a nearby restaurant to expand its entertainment license.

In a letter to the City Council, Herber and Evelyne Valkenberg of the inn said they are against the request by Smokehouse Cafe to expand its license to provide daily entertainment (the current license permits weekends only) and add a band.

"These downtown clubs, bars and restaurants will continue to haunt and harass our historic neighborhood till they'll wear us down?" the asked in the letter. "First the Newport Blues Club, the Newport Yachting Center, then Vanderbilt Grace, now Smokehouse Cafe. Relentless Indeed."

The Valkenbergs said the loud music and commotion associated with revelers attending such venues have cost them business and keep guests up at night. The vast number of establishments offering entertainment have created a clubby atmosphere and many guests are turned off by the experience.

"My business suffers from these noise disturbances continually, resulting in a loss of business," they said. "They did not expect [this] from this tourist destination. It's a shame if you continue to allow this city to change its character and appeal."

Check out the Smokehouse Cafe's request here: http://clerkshq.com/content/Attachments/newport-ri/140625_35.pdf?clientSite=newport-ri

The City Council is expected to vote on the request tonight.