Bousquet Sport Upgrades to All-Liquor License
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Bousquet Sport has upgraded its beverage license so guests can enjoy a cocktail while watching a tennis or pickleball match.
On Monday, the Licensing Board approved a change of category and an alteration of premises for the facility at 100 Dan Fox Drive.
Attorney Jesse Cook-Dubin explained that Bousquet Sport wants to convert to an all-alcohol license under the new state law, "which we're very appreciative exists."
"Not likely for the purpose of having a full bar, but really just ready to drink cocktails as an additional option," he explained.
A state law passed last year allows restaurants and bars with existing wine and malt beverage licenses to convert their licenses to all-alcohol licenses.
Throughout the 2020s, Milltown Capital has acquired and renovated Bousquet and the former Berkshire West into Bousquet Sport. In 2023, the City Council approved a tax increment financing agreement for the project that will relieve about $215,000 in real estate taxes.
There is a small bar area between the tennis and pickleball courts where people gather after playing a match, but Dubin said it is not a night spot. Right now, they have to prohibit people from leaving the building with a drink.
"They would like to expand into the outdoor areas," he said.
"Because there are pickleball and tennis courts just outside of the main facility, and people would like to be able to take a drink that they have bought at the bar and walk up the hill to observe, hang out while somebody's playing a game of tennis or pickleball."
The license premises had not been updated since the facility was overhauled.
Chair Thomas Campoli wanted to confirm that alcohol is limited to just that bar area and near the courts, and asked how they will police it. Dubin pointed out that they need to buy the drink from Bousquet Sport, and said there is more staff oversight when they are busy.
There will be signs marking the area and indicating that the alcohol cannot leave the site.
Across the street at Bousquet, the ski resort is planning micro-cabin and RV lodging for guests. The Zoning Board of Appeals approved the campground late last year.
When the plan is fully implemented, a gravel parking lot on the western side of Bousquet's 90-acre property will have 12 micro cabins and four RVs on pads, accompanied by 16 parking spaces. A pedestrian path to the ski lodge is planned to allow foot traffic without entering the parking lot, and the units will be connected to municipal water and sewer.
Tags: license board, alcohol license, bousquet,
