Dear Editor:

In response to last Thursday’s article “Big Al’s gets licenses,” we would like to point out some additional facts.  

​The selectmen’s unanimous approval of Big Al’s license was based solely on the state having issued Big Al a license to sell consumer fireworks. The decision ignored our pointing out problems that the state inspector was unaware of, as well as the state being lax in enforcing its own laws. For example, the state allowed Big Al to store fireworks about 40 feet from the Schooner Inn for years – an egregious violation – until, after pressure from us, they finally mandated removal of those fireworks.

​Our lawyer raised the question of insurance because records turned over by the state include an application form signed by Al Cohen in which a “no” box was checked for the question “Do you wish to cover manufacturing or warehouse locations for premises liability?” Even though this form isn’t for 2018 or 2019, it’s the only application in the record, and thus raises questions of whether the same answer was given in subsequent years.

​Regarding the warehouse on JB’s Way, its distance to “the closest Bryant structure” is a misleading point because it ignores residences substantially closer to the warehouse, including the home of the late Mary Stacy and an occupied mobile home on the warehouse lot itself. This was not discussed at the meeting, and was also ignored by a state inspector in his Feb. 24, 2015 letter that played a role in the dismissal of the previous court case.

​Regarding Chair Judy Colby’s reminder to us that “the issue before the board was solely the building on Bath Road,” we strongly disagree with that notion, because state law requires that any sales of fireworks must also comply with storage requirements. Granting Big Al’s a business license should mean that all the activities of that business are compliant—not just the activities at one particular location. For the state and town to choose to ignore a storage location, particularly one with violations, is akin to an ostrich sticking its head in the sand.

Tom and Katie Bryant

Wiscasset