Machias Select Board approves liquor license for virtual sports business despite neighbors’ concerns 36%
By Evan W. Houk44%
7/31/2026, 9:53:56 AM
BS Summary: This article contains 21 faulty reasoning types, including Framing Effect, Optimism Bias, and Straw Man, with Negativity Bias as the most egregious example at 24.3% saturation with 118 hits. Analysis detected 656 faulty-reasoning hits from 485 analyzed words, generating a BS Score of 36.9% and a BS Rank of 36% (17,795 of 27,733 articles). This article is better (less manipulative) than 64.20% of the article peer group.
MACHIAS — The Select Board approved a liquor license last week for a new virtual sports business, despite neighbor concerns about pedestrian safety.
The application by Salty Swing on North Street now heads to the state for final approval.
The business plans to serve beer and wine to participants using simulators for golf, baseball, soccer and dodgeball.
During a public hearing before the July 22 regular Select Board meeting, some North Street residents strongly objected to what they called a "bar" in their residential neighborhood.
According to the liquor license application, a new building will be constructed about 1,800 feet away behind the former Community of Christ Church.
Lori McClellan, a nearby resident, said people of all ages, including those with cognitive and mobility challenges, walk on North Street day and night in all seasons.
"It is common knowledge that alcoholic beverages, including wine and beer, impair people's judgment and motor skills, including their driving ability, and to deadly outcomes," McClellan said.
Seth Kilton, owner of Salty Swing and the former church building, which he plans to convert into apartments, attended the meeting to answer questions.
Kilton emphasized that the location features no physical bar, but rather three simulator bays with 20 seats where customers can order beer, wine and food.
He noted that patrons visit specifically to play sports simulators rather than to drink alcohol as they would at a traditional bar.
"People can come there to play a round of golf," Kilton said.
Machias lacks a zoning ordinance, leaving the Select Board with few grounds to deny the application despite narrow discretionary authority, Town Manager Sarah Craighead Dedmon said.
She added that Chief Keith Mercier of the Machias Police Department does not oppose the license.
"It's unfortunate that Machias doesn't have zoning," Sharon Stackpole, a neighboring resident who opposed the approval, said.
The Select Board expressed support for the application and the new business.
"I don't think about this area as something I'm concerned about," Chair Jake Patryn said, adding that the board will evaluate the liquor license renewal next year.
"Zoning is a relevant conversation that needs to be had by a lot of people, but it's irrelevant in this conversation," Patryn said.
Select Board member Sandra Sinford, who also lives in the neighborhood, said she supported the business while acknowledging resident concerns.
"It does change the whole dynamics of our neighborhood," Sinford said.
"Thanks, folks.
We do hear you."
Salty Swing is expected to open Jan. 1, 2027, according to its application.
Proposed operating hours are Monday through Thursday from noon to 9 p.m., Friday from noon to 10 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The Machias Planning Board is scheduled to consider the Salty Swing building permit at 5 p.m.
Wednesday, Aug. 5, at the Town Office.
Speakers
5speakers44%attributed speech274writer words
Selected voice
100%flagged-word coverageLori McClellan
54 attributed words26% of attributed speech45% writer coverage
Attribution is sentence-level. Pattern percentages are calculated only from words assigned to that voice.
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